Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards - "It Could Happen Here" Weekly 180
Release Date: May 3, 2025
Host/Authors: Mia Wong, Garrison Davis, Robert Evans, Andrew, and James Stout
Production: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In the May 3, 2025 episode of "It Could Happen Here" (Weekly 180), hosts Mia Wong and Garrison Davis delve into a range of pressing topics, including the collapse of current economic systems, the resurgence of cosmopolitanism through an anarchist lens, the aftermath of the Canadian election, analyses of the "Andor" series, and the impact of recent executive orders on civil rights and immigration. The episode is structured to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues, enriched with notable quotes and in-depth discussions.

2. The Collapse of Neoliberal Economic Systems

Economic Deterioration and Reagan's Legacy

Mia Wong opens the discussion by asserting the death of the current economic system, attributing its collapse largely to actions taken by former President Donald Trump. She states:

"The economic system that existed literally at the end of last year does not exist anymore. It is right now in the process of dying."
(03:02)

Garrison Davis adds perspective by referencing Benito Mussolini's maxim on the "Chinese century," although Mia corrects the attribution to Gramsci, highlighting the ideological shifts underpinning the economic turmoil.

Reagan's Economic Policies and Their Impact

The conversation shifts to Ronald Reagan's economic strategies in the 1980s, particularly the Volcker Shock, which involved dramatically raising interest rates to curb inflation. Mia Wong criticizes Reagan's approach:

"He was actually successfully able to temporarily, for about six or seven years, dramatically ramp up American industrial production... But he did this by, not what the Trump administration is doing."
(05:12)

Garrison points out the unintended consequences of such policies, noting:

"Now, nobody is winning the trade war. Like, everyone is just having the very worst time they've ever had."
(12:36)

Current Trade Policies and Economic Decline

Mia Wong criticizes the Trump administration's tariff policies, arguing they are ideologically driven rather than economically sound:

"This is trying to keep the American economy functioning in a way that it has trade surpluses with every other country... And this is also important, these people don't think that, like, services are real..."
(15:58)

She emphasizes the systemic issues these tariffs create, leading to a breakdown in global supply chains and exacerbating economic suffering both in the U.S. and internationally.

3. Cosmopolitanism and Anarchism

Understanding Cosmopolitanism

Andrew introduces the concept of cosmopolitanism, defining it as the belief that all human beings belong to a single global community, transcending national boundaries. He references Kwame Anthony Appiah's work, highlighting its moral, political, and cultural strands.

"At its core, cosmopolitanism is just the belief that all human beings belong to the same shared moral and political community that transcends national cultural and political boundaries."
(44:13)

Historical Perspectives and Anarchist Critiques

The discussion traces cosmopolitanism back to Diogenes of Sinope and the Stoics, noting its evolution through the Enlightenment and its entanglement with nationalism. Mia Wong and Garrison Davis explore how anarchists like Proudhon and Bakunin critiqued both nationalism and centralized cosmopolitan governance, advocating instead for decentralized networks of solidarity.

"Anarchist cosmopolitanism envisions a world where solidarity, cooperation, and mutual aid emerge from below through free association, rather than being imposed from above."
(56:59)

They contrast this with liberal cosmopolitanism, which often relies on state-led institutions that, according to anarchist thinkers, ultimately reinforce existing power hierarchies.

4. Canadian Election Overview

Election Results and Implications

Garrison Davis and Robert Evans provide a detailed analysis of the recent Canadian election, where Mark Carney led the Liberal Party to a near-majority government, while the Conservative Party faced significant setbacks, including the loss of key seats and the defeat of party leader Pierre Poilievre.

"The Liberals are projected to win 168 seats, falling barely short of the 172 majority... Conservatives have won 144 seats."
(70:03)

NDP Collapse and Future Prospects

The New Democratic Party (NDP) suffered a severe decline, losing official party status by securing only seven seats. This collapse is attributed to strategic voting influenced by anti-Trump sentiment and dissatisfaction with party leadership.

"The NDP basically gave Carney this election. Jagmet Singh lost his seat."
(73:46)

Impact of Trump's Influence

Trump's interference and rhetoric played a pivotal role in reshaping voter behavior, driving a coalition that ultimately favored the Liberals over the Conservatives, despite the latter's initial surge in popularity.

"Trump's rhetoric around Canada and tariffs significantly influenced Canadian voters, leading to a unified stance against far-right populism."
(98:53)

5. Coverage of "Andor" Season 2

Introduction to "Andor" Season Two

The hosts discuss the continuation of the "Andor" series, praising its realistic portrayal of rebel dynamics and the intricate build-up to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. They highlight the show's deep understanding of movement dynamics, including internal infighting and the challenges of uniting disparate rebel cells.

"This is what Andor has been very, very good at: showing the complexity and reality of how movements work, including the inevitable infighting and strategic alliances."
(127:49)

Character and Plot Developments

They analyze key plot points, such as the émigré Cyril Karn's actions and the complex relationships between characters, emphasizing the show's commitment to portraying both the brutality of the Empire and the nuanced humanity of its characters.

6. Executive Orders Impacting Civil Rights and Tariffs

Revocation of Civil Rights Protections

Mia Wong outlines recent executive orders aimed at dismantling portions of the Civil Rights Act, particularly targeting the doctrine of disparate impact liability. These actions signal a broader assault on civil rights, with significant implications for anti-discrimination measures.

"This is part of a larger attack on civil rights in general... The DOJ is deprioritizing enforcement of statutes that include disparate impact liability."
(185:12)

Strengthening Law Enforcement Powers

Another executive order, dubbed "Cop Nation," seeks to bolster law enforcement authority by providing federal support and resources, thereby expanding legal protections for police officers and undermining local accountability mechanisms.

"This order directs the Attorney General to increase the provision of excess military and national security assets in local jurisdictions to assist state and local law enforcement."
(182:04)

Implications for Immigration Policies

The administration's aggressive stance on immigration is further exacerbated by executive orders aimed at dismantling sanctuary cities and enhancing the prosecution of undocumented immigrants, effectively criminalizing protective measures implemented by local governments.

"They are trying to turn federal civil rights infrastructure against those whom they were meant to protect in the first place."
(206:27)

7. Immigration Updates

Judicial Interventions and ICE Actions

The episode covers recent high-profile cases where judges like Hannah Dugan and Joel Kano faced federal charges for actions perceived as aiding undocumented immigrants. These cases underscore the administration's commitment to stringent immigration enforcement and the undermining of judicial independence.

"Judge Dugan was charged with two federal counts for her actions during a court proceeding, highlighting the government's aggressive tactics against judicial support for immigrants."
(169:07)

Military Involvement in Immigration Enforcement

Reports indicate an increased militarization of border areas, particularly the Roosevelt Reservation in New Mexico, where migrants are being targeted and charged with violations. This militarization aligns with the administration's broader strategy to enforce immigration laws through oppressive means.

"The militarization of areas like the Roosevelt Reservation is part of a systematic approach to rapidly charge and deport migrants, disregarding legal protections."
(192:04)

Judicial Protections and Legal Challenges

Despite the administration's efforts, some judicial decisions have begun to push back, enforcing stricter protocols for detention and deportation processes, including the necessity of clear warrants and the protection of defendants' rights to challenge their deportation.

"A Colorado judge placed a tentative restraining order on the use of the Alien Enemies Act without proper notice, asserting the importance of due process rights."
(202:44)

8. Conclusion

The episode of "It Could Happen Here" encapsulates a critical examination of contemporary political and social issues, from economic instability and anarchist cosmopolitanism to the fracturing of political parties in Canada and the erosion of civil rights and immigration protections in the United States. Through informed discussions and poignant quotes, the hosts shed light on the multifaceted challenges facing today's society, urging listeners to remain vigilant and engaged in the face of mounting adversity.

"We have to drive these people from power and destroy the basis of their power on such a fundamental level they can never return to power... Otherwise, we all get crushed for a generation."
(40:11)

Notable Quotes:

• Mia Wong (03:02): "The economic system that existed literally at the end of last year does not exist anymore. It is right now in the process of dying."

• Garrison Davis (09:05): "It's the only thing that's going to satisfy these people."

• Andrew (44:23): "At its core, cosmopolitanism is just the belief that all human beings belong to the same shared moral and political community that transcends national cultural and political boundaries."

• Mia Wong (185:12): "This is part of a larger attack on civil rights in general... The DOJ is deprioritizing enforcement of statutes that include disparate impact liability."

For More Information:
Visit Cool Zone Media or find "It Could Happen Here" on the iHeartRadio app and major podcast platforms. Access detailed sources and references in the episode descriptions.

This summary is intended to provide an overview of the episode's content for those who have not listened. For a deeper understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.