Conversations on a Progressive Future with Noam Chomsky and David Barsamian Part 1

In November 2019, The Progressive hosted an event entitled “Conversations on a Progressive Future” with Noam Chomsky and David Barsamian at Pima Community College’s Proscenium Theatre in Tucson.

Considered the founder of modern linguistics, Noam Chomsky joined the UA faculty in fall 2017 where he is a laureate professor in the Department of Linguistics in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. He is also the Agnese Nelms Haury Chair in the Agnese Nelms Haury Program in Environment and Social Justice.

Dr. Noam Chomsky, Professor Emeritus at MIT, has introduced the world to ideas that have excited, incited, and challenged millions. His groundbreaking work in linguistics and his fearless engagements in politics, culture, history, and philosophy have profoundly impacted generations of students, scholars, community activists, and members of the public, across and within political and ideological divides.

Investigative journalist David Barsamian hosts the nationally syndicated show Alternative Radio and has co-authored books with Noam Chomsky, Eqbal Ahmad, Howard Zinn, Tariq Ali, Richard Wolff, Arundhati Roy, and Edward Said. His latest books are with Noam Chomsky: Global Discontents: Rising Threats to Democracy and Edward Said: Culture and Resistance. He lectures on world affairs, imperialism, capitalism, propaganda, the media, and global rebellions.

Norman Stockwell is the publisher of The Progressive. Since 1909, The Progressive has amplified voices of dissent and those under-represented in the mainstream, to champion grassroots progressive politics. The event was a benefit for The Progressive.

Part 1 of this multi-part series begins with remarks by The Progressive Publisher Norman Stockwell, followed by a conversation with David Barsamian and Noam Chomsky. In this episode, David Barsamian begins by asking Noam Chomsky people around the world are rising up to protest, such as in Chile. Chomsky outlines the conditions that lead to demonstrations such as economic disparity, negative net worth, and even increased mortality rates. He points out that in many democracies centrist positions are failing to hold power while voters flock to the periphery. Later in the program, Chomsky discusses current conditions in Brazil.

Recorded and produced by Amanda Shauger.