Behind the Bastards: It Could Happen Here Weekly 168 Release Date: February 8, 2025
Hosts/Authors: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
1. Anti-Fascist Internationalist Front in Myanmar
Participants: James, Azad
Timestamp: [01:00] - [27:32]
The episode kicks off with James introducing Azad, a fighter from the Anti-Fascist Internationalist Front (AIF) in Chinland, Myanmar. Azad provides a comprehensive overview of the AIF's formation and its role in the ongoing struggle against Myanmar's military junta.
Key Points:
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Origins of AIF: Unlike previous foreign volunteers who participated individually and were often non-political, the AIF emerged after 2023 with a more organized, antifascist, internationalist perspective. Azad emphasizes the collective effort and shared ideology that distinguishes the AIF from earlier foreign fighter groups.
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Role of International Solidarity: The AIF draws inspiration from international movements like the Rojava revolution in Syria. Azad notes, “Even a revolution like Rojava, which has decades of history, serves as eternal inspiration.”
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Recent Victories: Over the past year, the AIF, alongside local Chinland Defense Forces (CDF) and the Chin Brotherhood alliance, has seized significant territories such as Mindat, Matupi, and Khanpelet. Azad remarks, “Those victories would have been unimaginable three years ago.”
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Challenges Ahead: Consolidating liberated areas and transitioning military victories into permanent governance structures remain critical challenges. Azad stresses the importance of cooperation among diverse groups to maintain momentum against the junta.
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Support for Women's Roles: Inspired by Rojava’s emphasis on women's participation, the AIF is working to empower women within the resistance, addressing internal patriarchal structures inherited from liberal society.
Notable Quotes:
- Azad: “It is fundamentally a fight against fascism. So yeah, the trajectory as it currently is, is positive for the resistance.” [06:52]
- Azad: “These people at the beginning were going at checkpoints with, like, double barrels and air rifles, and at the end now they are, like, threatening to overthrow what was previously assumed to be one of the most powerful militaries in southeastern Asia.” [38:05]
2. Neo-Nazi Terrorism and Countercultural Fascism
Participants: Spencer Sunshine, Nevdon Jamgochian
Timestamp: [44:00] - [66:57]
Spencer Sunshine interviews Nevdon Jamgochian about his book, Neo-Nazi Terrorism and Countercultural Fascism: The Origins and Afterlife of James Mason's Siege. The discussion delves into the historical roots of Neo-Nazism in the United States and the influential role of James Mason's manifesto, Siege.
Key Points:
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Background of James Mason: Mason, a lifelong Neo-Nazi, authored Siege, advocating violent actions over traditional political engagement. Originally published in the 1980s with limited distribution, Siege resurfaced in the 2010s, influencing groups like Atomwaffen Division.
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Influence on Modern Terrorism: Nevdon explains how Siege became a foundational text for contemporary Neo-Nazi terrorism, inspiring acts of violence and shaping the ideology of decentralized terrorist networks globally.
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Research Challenges: Nevdon recounts his extensive archival research at the University of Kansas, uncovering Mason's correspondence and the intertwined relationships between countercultural figures and Neo-Nazi movements. He notes, “There are multiple letters adorned with swastikas and eight eights, revealing their support for Mason’s ideology.”
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Cultural Impact: The book traces the evolution of Neo-Nazism from the 60s and 70s, highlighting the role of countercultural movements in disseminating extremist ideologies. Nevdon emphasizes the importance of understanding these historical contexts to combat current threats.
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Personal Encounters: Nevdon shares his interactions with Mason and other key figures, providing insights into their unabashed promotion of Neo-Nazi beliefs and the recruitment of young, alienated individuals into violent movements.
Notable Quotes:
- Nevdon: “This revolution is a beacon of hope that it can be done. You can win.” [37:04]
- Spencer: “James Mason was advocating this beforehand and was very tight with Metzger. So there is actually a book describing what you've said, putting the pieces together.” [57:53]
- Nevdon: “Your thinking is the same. And the end result is the same.” [78:23]
3. U.S. Government Funding Freezes and Anti-Trans Policies
Participants: Mia Wong, Kaveh, James, Robert Evans
Timestamp: [86:48] - [223:XX]
The conversation shifts to the impact of recent executive orders by former President Trump targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and gender ideology in K-12 education and federal research funding.
Key Points:
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Executive Orders and Funding Freezes: Trump’s orders aimed to eliminate DEI programs and restrict gender-affirming care in schools and healthcare institutions. Mia explains, “Trump eliminated the de minimis exception, making it difficult for individuals and businesses to ship goods from China without tariffs.”
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Impact on Scientific Research: The freeze on grants from agencies like NSF and NIH threatens vital research projects. Kaveh highlights, “These executive orders are directly foreign policy geopolitical tariffs... They are using American consumer power as a weapon of imperialism.”
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Anti-Trans Healthcare Restrictions: Institutions like Denver Health and University of Colorado Health have ceased providing gender-affirming care to minors, sparking widespread protests and legal challenges. Mia notes, “Thousands gathered outside at NYU’s Langan Hospital in protest of the hospital’s choice to comply with Trump’s order.”
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Institutional Responses: Several states’ Attorneys General have declared Trump’s orders unlawful, emphasizing the necessity of continuing support for marginalized groups. Robert emphasizes the role of unions and community solidarity in resisting these policies.
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Economic and Social Consequences: The tariffs and funding freezes have severe repercussions for both large-scale industries and small businesses, including drop shipping and academic research. Kaveh discusses the precarious situation faced by postdocs and the broader scientific community.
Notable Quotes:
- Kaveh: “Our perspective in AIF is very much the same where, yeah, maybe we have some limited material things we can contribute, but ultimately it's about organically participating in this revolution.” [22:30]
- Mia: “The US has been very good at absorbing other countries’ scientists, but now we might be losing that ability permanently.” [120:42]
- James: “This revolution is showing... that it's a beacon of hope for democratic people who envision themselves fighting on the side of freedom.” [38:05]
4. International Conflicts and Genocide Discussions
Participants: James, Jon Stewart
Timestamp: [221:30] - [223:XX]
The latter part of the episode addresses ongoing international conflicts, specifically the genocide of Armenians by Azerbaijan, the influence of propaganda, and the role of international media.
Key Points:
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Genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh: Jon Stewart and James discuss the brutal actions of Azerbaijan in Armenia’s Nagorno-Karabakh region, likening them to historical genocidal campaigns. They highlight the destruction of Armenian cultural sites and the systematic removal of Armenians from their ancestral lands.
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International Solidarity and Media Coverage: The lack of widespread media coverage exacerbates the situation, allowing disinformation to thrive. James emphasizes the need for global awareness and solidarity to counteract the genocide.
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Role of Propaganda: Azerbaijan employs extensive propaganda, including bots and disinformation campaigns, to obscure their genocidal actions and manipulate international perceptions. Jon remarks, “There’s this idea of Pan tyrannism... It's a way to legitimize brutality.”
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Call to Action: The hosts urge listeners to support affected communities, stay informed through credible sources, and advocate against human rights abuses.
Notable Quotes:
- Jon Stewart: “It is a consolidation of power. He needs an enemy. He needs to move forward, which is why he's threatening to invade Armenia proper next.” [163:56]
- James: “People will be listening to this... It's an incredibly hopeful message when people refuse to accept tyranny.” [39:58]
Conclusion and Call to Action
The episode concludes with a strong emphasis on the importance of solidarity, community action, and resisting authoritarian policies both domestically and internationally. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with unions, support marginalized groups, and remain vigilant against genocidal and fascist movements worldwide.
Final Remarks:
- Support and Resources: Azad and Nevdon provide information on how to support their causes, including social media handles and fundraising platforms.
- Upcoming Topics: The hosts hint at future discussions on topics like US trade wars, affirmative action, and the ongoing struggles in Syria and Rojava.
Notable Quotes:
- James: “This revolution is a beacon of hope... You can win.” [37:04]
- Nevdon: “What you need to do is call out these bad actors early and often.” [86:48]
Sources and Further Reading:
- Links and resources mentioned during the episode are available in the episode description for listeners to explore more about the topics discussed.
This summary encapsulates the core discussions from "It Could Happen Here Weekly 168," providing an in-depth look into anti-fascist movements in Myanmar, the historical underpinnings of Neo-Nazism in the US, the impact of government policy changes on scientific research and LGBTQ+ communities, and ongoing international genocidal conflicts.