How Soon is Mao? The weird rebirth of communism – with Paul Mason
Summary
Host Andrew Harrison and panelists Zoe Grunewald and John Elledge discuss Andy Burnham’s Ukraine visit, Reform UK’s controversial housing policies, and new planning powers for mayors. Special guest Paul Mason joins to analyze the resurgence of communist rhetoric in the age of AI and oligarchy, promoting his new history of communism, *Reds*. The episode also covers the political implications of these shifts for liberal democracy.
Topics discussed
Public safety warning on mid-block crossing
Intro: Burnham honeymoon ends and Reform policies
Panel intro: Burnham's address leak and John Elledge
Guest intro: Paul Mason and Lee vs Wigan rivalry
Burnham's Ukraine visit and missile support plans
Reform's social housing policy for British-born workers
Analysis of Reform's rise and far-right politics
Metro mayors' new powers over tall buildings
Promo for companion podcast This Is Not A Drill
The resurgence of communism and Paul Mason's new book
Historical roots of communism vs socialism
Critique of Marxist theory and working-class culture
Soviet economic failure and AI's role in planning
Sponsors: Shopify and The Bunker podcast
Cultural chat: TV shows, plays, and sign-off
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