“What’s Left: Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis” with Malcolm Harris
Coming From Left Field podcast published May 9, 2025
Warm Greetings All,
In this podcast, our guest is Malcolm Harris, the author of the national bestseller “Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World,” a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
Today, we discuss his latest book, “What’s Left: Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis,” an ambitious work that explores political strategy, alliances, and antagonisms necessary to confront existential threats like climate change and societal collapse. It critiques capitalism's role in these crises and proposes three strategic paths for a viable future: Market Craft, Public Power, and Communism.
Climate crisis demands rapid action, and Harris rejects defeatism. He offers hope that the left must organize across differences and confront the systemic obstacles built into our politics and economic system that support the status quo rather than change. In “What's Left,” Malcolm Harris cuts through the noise and gets real about our remaining options for saving the world.
107 (May 9, 2025)
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Hosting Malcolm Harris was a big catch for me. His book, “Palo Alto,” was one of my favorite reads last year. I sent Greg a copy (700 pages), and I knew he would enjoy it also, as Harris’s work is deeply rooted in Marxist theory, offering a critical perspective on capitalism and labor exploitation. We hoped to have him on the podcast, so I wrote to the publisher but was unable to get a booking. However, the effort was not in vain, as the publisher later sent Greg and me an ARC (advance reading copy) of his new book and arranged an interview. Paula (spouse) is familiar with my occasional reactions to moments like this, such as when she hears me shout a loud “Yes!” from my office.
Peace,
Pat