A Crucial Conversation for a World in Crisis: Vijay Prashad & Peter Mertens
In his latest podcast episode, our LAI27 conveners Vijay Prashad and Peter Mertens engage an urgent and far-reaching discussion at a moment when global tensions are rising and political narratives are tightly controlled.
In this new conversation, Vijay unpacks the escalating US military pressure on Venezuela, including former President Trump’s explicit threats of invasion. Drawing comparisons with the Iraq War, Prashad warns that an intervention in Venezuela would be “Iraq plus”—a catastrophic operation with severe consequences not only for the region but for global stability. He describes how Latin America Caribbean, officially declared a “zone of peace,” is being steadily militarized, with European complicity through Dutch military infrastructure on Curaçao.
The discussion also moves to Ukraine, examining contradictions within European foreign policy and the growing legitimacy crisis among EU leaders unable to address the social and economic concerns of their own populations. Against this backdrop, Prashad and Mertens emphasize what the socialist left must urgently build: unity, bold proposals, and a compelling vision for a fairer future.
This conversation is essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the geopolitical landscape beyond mainstream narratives—and for everyone committed to strengthening the global anti-imperialist movement.