In Episode 108 [15] of the CounterVortex podcast [16], Bill Weinberg takes stock of the frightening East-West escalation [17] over Ukraine. Beyond the front-line on that country's eastern borders, the forces of Russia [18] and its allies [19] and those of NATO [20] are preparing for war from the Mediterranean to the Pacific. The "anti-war" (sic) left in the US is, with perfect predictability, lining up with Russia [21]. Contrary to pseudo-left misconceptions, the post-Cold War promises [22] made to Russia [31] that NATO would not expand east were never formalized. However, the promises to Ukraine [23] that its sovereignty and territory would be protected were formalized. The prevailing double standard [24] on the Western "left" sensationalizes a "Nazi" threat in Ukraine while ignoring the actual consolidation of fascistic dictatorships in Russia [32] and Belarus [24]. Putin's propaganda, spread by the Kremlin media machine [25], is an exercise in fascist pseudo-anti-fascism [26]. Meanwhile, Ukrainian socialists and democratic-left forces [27] advance a "Neither East Nor West [28]" position that demands solidarity against Russian aggression from the world anti-war forces. Ironically, Lenin himself declared unequivocally for Ukrainian self-determination—here [33] and here [34] and here [35] and here [36]. Listen on SoundCloud [15] or via Patreon [29].
Erratum: The author ME Sarotte, whose work [22] is discussed in this podcast, is misgendered. Her full name is Mary Elise Sarotte [37]. We regret the error.
Of course, contrary to what is said in the introduction, this was recorded on Jan. 27, 2022, not 2021.
Production by Chris Rywalt [38]
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