Podcast Summary: The Peter McCormack Show — Episode #165

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode features host Peter McCormack in conversation with Emmet Connor, focusing on the pervasive influence of Marxist ideology in the West. The discussion explores what Marxism is, how it distinguishes itself from leftism and socialism, its methods of spreading (especially through education and culture), and whether much of the Western world is unknowingly embracing Marxist tactics and goals. The episode also debates whether contemporary movements are truly Marxist or simply motivated by compassion and a desire for fairness—and what the right response should be.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. What is Marxism? Definitions and Contradictions

• Definition: Emmet Connor describes Marxism as more than just economics—“an internationalist revolutionary movement that seeks to destroy the established order and rebuild it as a sort of utopia” [04:30].
• Stages: Marxism (the broader revolution), Socialism (application of Marxist ideas, esp. in economics), and Communism (the always-unattainable utopian future) [05:51].
• Contradiction: Achieving a stateless, classless society is an internal contradiction; “It requires a state to enforce it” [07:47], leading to repeated instances where a supposed egalitarian movement results in authoritarian leadership.

Quote:
“Marxism is like a buffet. There’s so many different types of revolution. You can choose one.”
— Emmet Connor, [00:00]

2. Leftism, Progressivism, and Marxism—Where’s the Line?

• Overlap: Many leftist or progressive movements (be it climate activism, feminism, trans rights, etc.) adopt Marxist frameworks of “oppressor/oppressed” and class struggle, even if unwittingly [14:17].
• Unawareness: Many supporters of “be kind” or “fairness” ideologies may be espousing core Marxist principles without ever reading Marx [01:03], [27:16].
• Useful Idiots: Well-meaning people get co-opted into broader, more radical movements under the appeal of fairness and compassion [11:22].

Quote:
“A person might not even know that they’re talking like a Marxist...they’re talking about stuff like we should have more compassion. So you see these alarm bells going off constantly and this is why this is an indoctrination issue.”
— Emmet Connor, [00:10], [37:49]

3. Indoctrination and the Spread of Marxist Ideas

• Education as a Vector: Free public schooling (per 10th plank of the Communist Manifesto) as a deliberate move to propagate ideology, furthered by the Fabian Society [37:49].
• Cultural Capture: Control over mainstream institutions (media, NGOs, universities, schools) allows these ideas to become dominant in culture and discourse [64:50], [115:00].
• Branding Issue for the Right: Young people are especially targeted, with leftist activism being “cool” and pro-freedom conservatism branded as villainous or worse, as “far right” [62:47], [64:50].
• Overton Window Shift: Topics once taboo (immigration, trans sports, etc.) are now possible to discuss due to right-wing pushback, though leftist tactics remain powerful [76:04].

Quote:
“They’ve made the idea...tapping into people’s egos and saying you are part of a great global revolution is a very attractive idea.”
— Emmet Connor, [64:50]

4. The Paradox of “Globalism”: Marxism for Billionaires?

• Rich Marxists: Wealthy institutions and individuals (e.g., George Soros) support globalist structures, which Connor claims is repackaged Marxism—even when it doesn’t benefit them personally [24:53].
• Contradictions: Connor acknowledges the paradox of global billionaires pushing Marxist/globalist policies that would undermine their own class, suggesting they see themselves as the future oligarchs of a restructured system [26:05], [33:56].

Quote:
“Globalism is basically a lot of rich people who've bought into the idea of global revolution, which is Marxist itself.”
— Emmet Connor, [24:56]

5. Organic Movement or Coordinated Conspiracy?

• Organic Spread: Many people “organically” adopt Marxist positions out of compassion or ignorance, not malice [27:16], [44:45].
• Hardcore Activists: Yet, there remain “true believers” in leadership positions, sometimes coordinating through groups like the Fabian Society, WEF, and UN [33:26].
• Constant Extremification: As movements mature, they produce ever-more radical waves (analogy to historical revolutionary purges), which can co-opt or derail more moderate leftist positions [37:00].

6. Marxism’s Real-World Outcomes and Destructiveness

• Historical Destruction: Examples referenced include the Soviet Union, China’s CCP, and postcolonial Africa, arguing these societies experienced greater oppression and suffering under Marxist rule than before [09:24], [15:13].
• Contemporary Issues: Mass immigration, class struggle rhetoric, and breakdown of social cohesion are viewed as modern manifestations [70:57].
• Marxism as “AIDS for Countries”: A memorable analogy indicating societal destruction [121:09].

7. Solutions, Strategy, and the Right’s Failures

• Proposed Countermeasures:
  • Reclaiming culture and education (“positive indoctrination” for patriotism, freedom, responsibility) [93:34], [127:57].
  • Better organization and branding for freedom-oriented political and social movements [64:50], [117:49].
  • Open support networks for freedom of speech and conservative values in business and education [117:49].
• Need for Courage: Advocates must be brave in expressing their views and challenging leftist cultural dominance, not self-censor out of fear [111:25].

Quote:
“If we don’t turn this around now, we’re going to literally be bred out.”
— Emmet Connor, [64:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Marxism’s Pervasiveness:
  “It’s almost like people are brainwashed in Marxism by default, even though they don’t even know what it is.”
  — Emmet Connor, [01:03], [108:10]

• On the Left’s Tactics:
  “Anyone who calls anyone far right, I would love if people knew straight away, that’s probably a Marxist…they need to be called out on this.”
  — Emmet Connor, [82:37]

• On Positive Right-Wing Branding:
  “How cool is that, that you go to the gym and that you build strength and that you read books and you go for what—that is a cool person. Like, do we have a branding issue?”
  — Peter McCormack, [62:47]

• Marxism’s Adaptability:
  “Marxism is like a buffet. There’s so many different types of revolution. You can choose one.”
  — Emmet Connor, [00:00], [127:57]

• On Organization Needs:
  “Those are great ideas...what you’re suggesting is a counter to that kind of in a way which is good. They are not shy of ideas and they’re very good at getting their own way.”
  — Emmet Connor, [117:49]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] Opening remarks on indecipherability and spread of Marxism
• [04:23] Clear definition and distinctions between Marxism, socialism, and communism
• [14:17] Leftism vs. Marxism in terms of class struggle and ideology
• [24:53] The paradox of wealthy globalists as Marxist revolutionaries
• [33:26] On who is funding and steering the movement
• [37:49] Education as the key tool for ideological spread
• [62:47]/[64:50] Discussion on right-wing branding and loss of young people
• [70:57] Immigration as consequence of Marxist-driven policies
• [82:37] Whether the right should adopt aggressive labeling tactics
• [93:34] Positive indoctrination and “duty to nation” as antidote
• [108:10] Personal experience with self-censorship, courage in advocacy
• [117:49] Practical solutions: free speech companies, networks of support
• [127:57] Parental and societal responsibility in resisting indoctrination

Tone and Language

The tone is direct, conversational, and ideological. Both host and guest speak candidly, often using strong analogies and emotionally charged language (“indoctrination,” “AIDS for countries,” “brainwashing”), aligning their viewpoint in opposition to what they describe as the dominant leftist/Marxist narrative in Western society. Peter frequently injects skepticism and personal anecdotes to humanize the discussion.

Summary Conclusion

This episode is a deep dive into the argument that Marxism—through shifting definitions and tactics—undergirds much of the political and cultural upheaval in the West today, often unnoticed by those carrying its torch. Emmet Connor and Peter McCormack contend that to reverse what they see as decline, freedom-oriented movements must develop better arguments, organization, and confidence, focusing on indoctrination, branding, and practical institutional alternatives. Both raise the need for courage and open, honest debate, noting that comfort, fear, and indoctrination have left many blind to the long-term consequences.