In this address to Icelandic Labor Movement, Richard Wolff advocates for a radical reorganization of the workplace into worker cooperatives as a strategic solution to capitalism's deep-seated issues. He acknowledges the current unique struggles of American capitalism and the decline of the American empire, drawing parallels to Britain's historical economic descent. Wolff emphasizes that with capitalism in significant turmoil, there's an opportunity for strategic initiatives like worker co-ops, which are not a standalone solution but part of a broader goal for economic transformations. During the interview, Wolff also critiques capitalist strategies and highlights the increasing labor militancy in the United States as a response to systemic economic failures. Lastly, he suggests that the problems facing modern capitalism could be countered by government support of worker cooperatives, thus challenging the traditional profit-focused enterprise structure.

On The Socialist Program, Richard Wolff discusses the historical context and importance of Social Security and Medicare as critical safety nets for the American working class, born out of the economic struggles of the Great Depression and subsequent leftist political pressure. He examines the repeated narrative by corporations and the wealthy that these programs are insolvent, attributing this claim to ideological opposition to government-run programs and a desire to privatize them for profit. Wolff emphasizes that solvency concerns are largely manufactured and that the true issue is the unfair cap on contributions from the wealthy, as well as exemptions on various types of income which disproportionately benefit the rich. He warns against privatization, highlighting the risks and instability it would pose to individuals' retirement funds, contrasting private investment with the current system that relies on the more stable government bonds. Lastly, Wolff criticizes the pandering to rich individuals and corporate interests that undermine public trust and the effectiveness of these essential public welfare programs.

In discussion on The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow, Richard Wolff delves into the resurgence of labor movements and student activism, noting an increase in union organizing on campuses across the United States. Wolff reflects on the changing conditions in academia, particularly the exploitation of graduate students and adjunct professors who endure low wages and job insecurity, drawing parallels to an economic system that also supports foreign policies like those regarding Israel and Palestine. He emphasizes the historical importance of May Day, highlighting its connection to current struggles for labor rights and free speech. Wolff criticizes university administrations, such as Columbia's, for prioritizing property and financial interests over student expression and academic freedom. He concludes by expressing hope that the growing movements among workers and students are signaling a pivotal moment of challenge to established power structures.

Joining KPFA Evening News, Richard Wolff lends expertise by discussing the different economic and diplomatic stances between the United States and China. He highlights the faster growth rate of China's GDP compared to that of the United States and points out the competitive nature of recent US policies, such as the demand for a Chinese company to sell TikTok to non-Chinese buyers. Wolff notes the US's positioning against China demonstrates a desire to prevail rather than cooperate, despite rhetoric suggesting otherwise. He contrasts this with China's push for mutual success and shared progress. Additionally, Wolff finds the Chinese response to US actions to be relatively restrained given the circumstances.

In this Dialogue Works interview, Richard Wolff discusses the parallels between student protests in the U.S. against the situation in Gaza and historic student activism, such as during the Vietnam War era. He critiques political leaders and university officials for their ignorant and hostile reactions to legitimate student concerns. Wolff elaborates on the decline of U.S. global dominance and its impact on international relations, particularly regarding Israel's increasingly precarious position as the American empire wanes. He suggests that internal and external denial about these geopolitical shifts is leading to perilous decision-making. Lastly, Wolff emphasizes the need for greater historical awareness to understand and address current challenges, particularly in the Middle East, and predicts intensified domestic debate as young Americans return home from college and engage with their families on these issues.

Professor Richard Wolff joins Rachel Blevins on her show to discuss the current pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses and the broader socio-economic issues facing the United States. He compares the student protests to historical anti-war movements, criticizing the police and government response as heavy-handed and anti-free speech. Wolff also reflects on America's changing global economic position, highlighting the anxieties and frustrations due to growing inequalities and diminishing job prospects for younger generations. The discussion covers the American housing crisis, touching on the shift from home ownership to renting and the systemic issues contributing to this trend. Finally, Wolff warns of the potential for increased protest and union activity as young Americans face an uncertain economic future and denounces the vast spending on foreign aid while domestic issues are neglected.

This interview with "The Barricades" sees Professor Richard Wolff exploring the complex nature of knowledge in the context of economics. He addresses the need for a cross-disciplinary approach to understand what constitutes economic knowledge and highlights that this has traditionally been neglected in academic settings, including his own experiences in elite U.S. universities. Wolff emphasizes that the field of economics itself is modern, with diverse methodologies and foundational concepts, such as the Marxian focus on surplus versus other economic perspectives that may omit this concept. During the podcast, Wolff critiques the notion of a singular scientific method for discovering economic truths, suggesting that our individual backgrounds influence our perception and interpretation of economic data. Lastly, he posits that a true understanding of economics depends on acknowledging these differences and that facts are not absolute but are instead interpreted through personal lenses.

Today on The Socialist Program, Professor Richard Wolff joins the conversation to analyze the role of the working class in creating value within capitalist systems, elucidating Marx's concept that labor is the source of all value. He challenges the conventional economic wisdom by explaining how every production process relies fundamentally on labor, noting that workers are often not the owners of the full value they produce. Professor Wolff deconstructs the unjust nature of capitalism, where employers profit by paying workers less than the value their labor adds, thereby accumulating wealth from the surplus created by workers. He further dispels the myth that capitalists' unique skills justify this wealth accumulation, providing the example of Spain's successful Mondragon Cooperative Corporation as evidence that workers can effectively manage production.

Dr. Fraad join TRT World to take a deep dive into the issues of Palestine and the growing pro-Palestinian solidarity movement in the United States to dissect the unique engagement of young Americans with the cause. She links this engagement to the increasing economic pressures and pessimism facing youth, comparing their sense of dispossession to that of Palestinians. Dr. Fraad highlights the impact of capitalist dynamics and donor influence on institutions like Columbia University, which has faced controversy over suspensions of pro-Palestinian student groups. She also addresses the negative labeling of pro-Palestinian activism as anti-Semitic, countering it with the unity and moral outrage at the injustices faced by Palestinians. Lastly, Dr. Fraad discusses how solidarity movements and unions provide a sense of connection and support that is crucial for mental health in America's isolated and individualistic society.

As we celebrate May Day this year we do so within a unique set of conditions, the resurgence of the Labor Movement in the U.S.A.  That resurgence was highlighted by the Summer of 2023 which was dubbed as “Strike Summer” by many commentators.  While that was certainly a highlight, the roots for this resurgence ion the Labor Movement, like all social movement highlights, can be traced back at least several years.