Mapping a Trajectory of Struggle Outside and Against the COVID Culture War

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On this episode of the It’s Going Down podcast, we speak with the author of The Real COVID Conspiracies, about the piece and how nation-states and elites around the world have used the pandemic to expand State power and increase their wealth.

"As anarchists we have to continue to assert our position unconditionally, heightening our voices and communicating our position clearly in order to make it clear to both sides of this culture war that we are not falling for the distractions."https://t.co/Cou2Fdd4fq

— IGD Worldwide (@igdworldwide) February 11, 2022

During our conversation, we attack both the conspiracy prone “populist’ far-Right and the response from neoliberals. We also discuss how autonomous anti-capitalist movements could go beyond both positions to build a counter-narrative that seeks to mobilize the exploited and excluded against the systems of domination that immiserate and degrade all our lives.

Biden is declaring both an end to the pandemic + lack of funds to continue fighting it while pushing to expand already massive war + police budgets. A classic neoliberal combination of austerity + death for the majority + war + repression to keep the system from falling apart. https://t.co/LvZ2jdupTG pic.twitter.com/FZi6QW0N6l

— It's Going Down (@IGD_News) March 16, 2022

As the pandemic rolls into its third year, racial and wealth inequalities have only become more entrenched as states have weaponized the crisis to expand State authority, militarize borders, and justify the crackdown of migrants, social movements, and broad populations. Meanwhile, far-Right convoy protests against masking and vaccine mandates continue to play out and the Biden administration is now claiming that it is running out of funding for COVID testing and treatment, while doubling down on funding the military and police. The need for a grassroots, anti-capitalist response from below is needed now more than ever.

More Info: The Real COVID Conspiracies and An Anarchist Rejection of the COVID Culture War

photo: Mika Baumeister and the blowup via Unsplash