The Revolutionary Think Tank

Episode 82 - Do We Live Under Inverted Totalitarianism?

In this episode, we dive deep into Sheldon Wolin’s concept of inverted totalitarianism — a form of managed democracy where corporate power and state bureaucracy dominate without overt authoritarianism. We explore how this idea fits within the framework of neoliberalism, and argue that this hidden form of control may be reaching its limits. As populist politics, reactionary movements, and overt authoritarianism begin to rise across the globe, is the age of inverted totalitarianism giving way to a more explicit, centralized form of totalitarian rule? We examine whether democracy is being hollowed out from within — or if it’s now being dismantled in broad daylight.
🔍 Topics covered include: The origins and meaning of inverted totalitarianism
How neoliberalism enabled soft authoritarian control
The rise of populism and its challenge to the status quo
Is democracy evolving, dying, or mutating?
What happens when the "inversion" ends and control becomes visible?
If you're interested in political theory, current affairs, and how power operates in the modern world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast

Episode 4.5 - Meritocracies & Classroom of the Elite

In this 0.5 series episode Kareem and 4.I.S discuss the anime Classroom of the Elite and how it shows the pitfalls of a system built on Meritocracy. How does myth making influence a system like this? Tune in the find out. #podcast #meritocracy #classroomoftheelite #anime #politics #theory

Episode 81 - The Lipstick Effect: Bad Analysis From Economists

In this episode, we dive deep into the lipstick effect — a phenomenon described by bourgeois economists where consumers continue to buy small luxury items like lipstick during economic downturns.
But this isn’t just about makeup. It’s about cognitive dissonance, survival, and the subtle manipulation of consumer desire under capitalism. We unpack how capitalism doesn’t just respond to needs — it creates them. Through decades of psychological advertising and cultural conditioning, we’ve been trained to seek small pleasures to cope with larger instability.
From the contradictions of frugality in a crisis to the deeper logic of production-for-profit, we ask: 👉 Why do we keep consuming even when we can't afford it? 👉 What does this say about how capitalism structures our desires? 👉 And is this loop manufactured? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on economics, psychology, and ideology in the age of crisis.
🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if this got you thinking.
 
Watch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast

Episode 80 - Would Promotions Work Under Socialism?

What would a promotion even mean in a socialist workplace? In this episode, we take on a listener-submitted question that starts off sounding simple, but quickly opens up a much deeper discussion. Rather than treating the idea of workplace promotions through the lens of co-ops we unpack what it would mean inside an entirely different mode of production — one not driven by profit, competition, or accumulation. What if the very concept of a "promotion" becomes unrecognizable under socialism? We explore how a truly socialist society might approach responsibility, skill development, and recognition — not as a ladder to climb, but as a collective process shaped by solidarity, trust, and social contribution. If you've ever wondered what work could feel like after capitalism, this one's for you.
Watch the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast

Episode 79 - The Indigenous Critique Of European Explorers

In this episode, we dive into "The Dawn of Everything", by David Graeber and David Wengrow — a radical rethinking of human history. We explore the provocative idea that early encounters between Europeans and Indigenous Americans didn’t just reshape the Americas — they challenged European thinking itself. Through what Graeber and Wengrow call the "Indigenous critique," Enlightenment values like liberty, equality, and democracy may have been deeply influenced by conversations with and observations of Native societies. We discuss: -How Indigenous critiques of European society shaped Enlightenment ideals -The vast diversity of human social structures beyond hierarchy and state power -Why history isn't a linear path from “primitive” to “civilized” -The importance of reimagining freedom in our own time -This episode unpacks a compelling case for rethinking everything we think we know about history, progress, and political possibility.
Whether you’re new to The Dawn of Everything or already a fan, this conversation offers accessible insights and critical reflections on one of the most important works of anthropology and political theory in recent memory.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy this kind of content. Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts below! Watch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast

Episode 78 - Why Seize The Means Of Production?

In this episode, we dive deep into the means of production from a Marxist perspective. What does it really mean to "seize the means of production"? Why is it central to the socialist and communist vision of a post-capitalist world? Together with my co-hosts, we unpack the historical roots of the concept, its relevance in today's economy, and the philosophical and materialist justification for why workers should control the tools, resources, and processes that generate wealth.
Whether you're new to Marxist theory or looking to sharpen your revolutionary lens, this episode offers a grounded and accessible explanation of one of the most misunderstood ideas in leftist thought.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast

Episode 77 - What Is The Network State? Is It Possible?

In this podcast, we dive deep into Balaji Srinivasan's concept of the Network State—an idea born out of Silicon Valley's libertarian vision for humanity. We examine the feasibility of such a digital-first society by critiquing its dependency on capitalist markets, nation-state infrastructure, and the assumption of zero military opposition. We also draw correlations between the idea of the network state with Techno-Feudalism. But we don’t stop there.
We ask: What would a communist Network State look like? Could revolutionary movements build digital-first collectivist societies within or against the system? Is the infrastructure of surveillance and control being dreamed up by libertarians actually ripe for radical reappropriation? This is a wide-ranging discussion on tech, ideology, and the digital future of social organization. 🔗 Join the conversation and rethink what a revolutionary future might look like in a hyper-connected world.Watch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast

Episode 76 - Can AI Protect All Conscious Life on Earth?

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the nature of consciousness—what it is, who or what possesses it, and how it might extend beyond traditional definitions of life. We explore ideas ranging from panpsychism to AI ethics, questioning whether consciousness might exist in non-living entities and how our understanding of it reshapes humanity’s relationship with technology and the natural world.
 
What happens when artificial intelligence becomes responsible not just for the well-being of humans, but for all forms of consciousness on Earth? Should AI, as a potential steward of humanity, also act as a guardian of all conscious experience—plant, animal, planetary, or otherwise? This episode is a rich dialogue between co-hosts as we grapple with: The boundaries (or lack thereof) of consciousness Panpsychism and the idea that everything has a mind-like quality The ethical implications of AI stewardship Consciousness beyond biology—rocks, rivers, algorithms?
 
Whether you’re a philosophy nerd, a futurist, or just curious about what it means to be aware, this conversation is for you.
 
Watch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast

Episode 75 - Revolutions In Media - Just Hollywood Propaganda?

The way revolution is portrayed in media, always shows the culmination of a struggle by and oppressed group as they arrest power from unjust leaders, ushering in...what? What happens after the takeover is never depicted, unless it's as an afterthought sequel that Hollywood thinks it can squeeze more cash out of. Revolution is way more than the takeover of power, it is actually what happens the day after. How the new society constitutes itself and realises its objectives and potential. Let's explore this distinction.
Watch the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast

Episode 74 - What Is Justice? What Does It Mean TODAY?

What does justice really mean? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of justice from ancient Greek philosophy to modern industrial society. We explore how liberalism defines justice and why market-driven societies impose a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we argue for a more context-driven vision—one that takes into account history, power, and material conditions. Join us as we challenge mainstream ideas of justice and discuss what a just society could look like in the 21st century.
 
Watch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast