Philosopher Slavoj Žižek: Israel Needed This War In Gaza To Create A Greater Israel | Full Interview

[@domener9827]

Žižek was brilliant as always, he's just quotable as hell and always has excelent, thought provoking points. Cudos also to the interviewer, I think he did a phenomenal job.

[@7JeTeL7]

yeah, great summary, but man, 43:38 - 43:44 is slavoj at his best ;-)

[@jAV1984]

Questionable about the interviewer

[@KootFloris]

I go beyond Žižek and call neo liberalism already soft fascism. There's an seemingly friendly elite running everything through wealth, corporations and lobbies, slowly cutting the under class out, with unfair wages. No wonder people, who resent this, vote those attacking it, 'heroes' on the far right, those who shout, we deserve it all, let's take it from those who threaten us, like immigrants. The message is: 'Don't challenge the elites, challenge people you can safely get away with.' It's a tragedy.

[@raphaelreichmannrolim25]

​@@7JeTeL7😂😂

[@remypascal4872]

@@jAV1984 To be inside *true* philosophical Materialism, the critical analysis, the overview to the actual happenings is not that easy... to find in Media. But with education in this and all the usual economy, right ideology stuff such would be of course better as interviewer.

[@assouabdul2458]

An empty bookshelf is a bold statement. Love you Zizek!

[@chrisjames1924]

He eats his books after he's finished reading them

[@Samaa-os7hx]

🤮

[@chrisjames1924]

@@Samaa-os7hx 🪣

[@5ynext515]

​@@chrisjames1924😂😂😂

[@MountainsOfTheSun]

Good observation!

[@b1zb0z]

I don't usually comment but what a refreshing and well structured interview. I've sadly gotten used to journalists interrupting and speaking over the person they're interviewing or trying to trip them out in other ways. Thank you for showing me that respectful journalism is still alive.

[@jjjccc728]

On Truth, Free Speech, and "Woke Culture": ● Žižek criticizes the "cynical indifference" prevalent in many societies, where people are aware of critical issues but fail to act or engage meaningfully. He sees this as a major obstacle to addressing challenges like climate change and political conflicts. ● He laments the decline of critical thinking and the increasing difficulty in discerning fact from fiction in a media landscape dominated by misinformation and manipulation. ● He critiques both the right-wing and the politically correct left for engaging in censorship and expressing distrust in ordinary people's ability to think critically. ● While acknowledging the historical injustices highlighted by "woke culture," Žižek expresses concern about the movement's approach to reinterpreting the past. ● He criticizes the notion that gender identity is solely a matter of personal choice, emphasizing the complex and often traumatic process of identity formation. On Immigration: ● Žižek criticizes both extremes in the immigration debate: the open borders stance of the liberal left and the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the right. ● He argues that Western intervention in the Middle East and North Africa has contributed significantly to the current immigration crisis. ● He points out that Western economies rely heavily on immigrant labor and would face severe consequences if they were to expel large numbers of immigrants.

[@theopensource09]

Interesting. Where does he live?

[@nedkelly8495]

Your list lists stuff that have been known for decades. That's y prof zigzag is nothing new.

[@Snafuski]

But we need reminders ...

[@theopensource09]

@@jjjccc728 All valid points that for some reason are ignored by 'both sides'

[@micharsenault379]

Techno feudalism is destroying the social fabric that we need for change.

[@StefanoMontani]

“Where everything is bad it must be good to know the worst.” We are still not watching the abyss in the face.

[@samaraisnt]

Wish they’d heard that before Nov 6th!!! 😭

[@KootFloris]

I go beyond Zizek and call neo liberalism already soft fascism. There's an elite running everything through wealth, corporations and lobbies, slowly cutting the under class out with unfair wages. No wonder people, who resent this, vote those attacking it, 'heroes' on the far right, those who shout, we deserve it all, let's take it from those who threaten us, like immigrants. Over 120 years of Red Scare, made going left impossible, Going there is getting dangerous too. Don't challenge the rich. Challenge people you can safely do away with. It's a tragedy.

[@solgato5186]

@@samaraisnt oh ffs like USA has two parties

[@karlscher5170]

Leftists are incapable of thinking something positive. Their ideology is based on negativity.

[@ChannelMath]

Gratified to hear someone else describe Trump as "postmodern". so true, and so (ironically) ironic

[@davidk9382]

Is postmodernism just another word for based?

[@Kittylover074]

​@@davidk9382 get out if here zoomer

[@radiotelevision3903]

why do you think he is Postmodern? from what i learned postmodernists are against modernism. of course they help the conservative world like church to back to the power by denying modernism but they can not be full modern. they hate modernism and they hate meritocracy.

[@davidsorensen4400]

@@davidk9382What does ‘based’ mean ? It is slang for what ?

[@nivisalba]

@@davidsorensen4400 based in reality

[@tomasvlcek4476]

Interviewing Žižek is either the hardest or easiest job in the world. You can either let him speak knowing you can not contribute with anything interesting really OR you try to keep on rails and that is incredibly hard because everything this lunatic (I love him) says is so damn interesting and interrupting feels like a crime!

[@samaraisnt]

spot on

[@romantadic5889]

He doesn't scratch his nose anymore, which tells us that everything in this world is possible.

[@musicaccount3340]

But an interviewer is not supposed to contribute with anything interesting. Their job is to pose questions that allow viewers to learn more about the speaker.

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

@@musicaccount3340 Think that says more about modern journalism than it does about interviewers.

[@musicaccount3340]

@@mobsiesixsixsix9785 you mean that interview journalism is being phased out by either debates or podcast-type conversations between like-minded people? I'd agree with that.

[@Ikarus-wings]

Well made by Interviewer. Slavoi is always nice to hear his thoughts.

[@Hexanitrobenzene]

Damn, surprisingly good interviewer. Zizek is great, as always.

[@Samaa-os7hx]

😂

[@luiszuluaga4686]

Philosophy is timeless. It's an eye opener, but not a dogma.

[@azalia423]

Western philosophy tends to forget the rest of the world's great thinking, so its cogitations are in a parochial bubble.

[@stal5143]

​@azalia423 the rest of the world had the same bs religious "wisdom" for thousands of years until the west came and said something different. There's nothing to see over there quite frankly

[@azalia423]

@@stal5143 Your loss.

[@Pontiki1977]

@@azalia423 Thank you for showing your complete ignorance regarding western philosophers. I won't post a list with western philosophers who worked and incorporated or evolved thinking from places like India and China. The West translated every single piece or text from eastern lands, because they found them to be worthless..Whatever.

[@TremendousSax]

​@@azalia423what's the loss? What non Western philosophy do you recommend?

[@jjboyd01]

there will never be a greater Israel.

[@HR-op2cq]

That depends on the pals .. and the sheee-ites in lebnn.. If they stop their je-nosi.de against the Js, then there won't be.. if they continue their je-nosi.de, there will have to be...

[@shabanaakhtar4031]

Hope not

[@TitanMoon746]

Israel has no interest to. Israel has never taken land not out of defense

[@eemoogee160]

While world leaders believe it to be political suicide to go against AIPAC a greater Israel is likely. I voted Green to help make facilitating jenoside politically suicidal.

[@mrfarax4944]

Won't happen

[@megumirogers8004]

WONDERFUL! we get older together, BUT we develop,grow until end. prinzipal of the thought might stays,but according to the reality of the situation that we live in, the opinion,the message develops as the variation from the theme,thought itself,i believe. it grows naturally most fit to it. it's like music to me! THANK YOU ALWAYS!!!

[@jimmymcgee4101]

The World has changed we can travel around the web to listen to news everywhere and like this well known writer is a true treat for me

[@luiszuluaga4686]

Fundamentalism is not part of the BRICS program. It's more of an economic development respecting the independence of each State.

[@VoloBonja]

BRICS are war criminals united for economic development. Russia holding summit in 2024 while commiting crimes against humanity at the same time should explain something to you.

[@NaymitMayne]

Exactly

[@VoloBonja]

@@luiszuluaga4686 but not respecting independence of other countries, invading them. I see only economics here, economics by war criminals

[@martinvanburen4578]

yeah ok...it is a Chinese reactionary group which is useless to each member. India has no relation to Brazil and South Africa. China has no use for India because India is not a state that seeks alliances. Russia is a oil state with decent weapons for third world nations.

[@brennanpilcher4374]

I believe his point was that fundamentalism is on the rise *in BRICS nations*, not that it is part of the underlying ideology of the economic intergovernmental organization called "BRICS"

[@Dvbsaletom]

thanks to AIPAC the whole world can only watch

[@alexmost166]

If you think AIPAC is that strong and influential you're already too far gone.

[@solinvectus7829]

@@alexmost166 not that influential but the christian zionism in the usa is the real power and support

[@jchan9761]

When I was young and naive, I equated your type of comment to nazis. Now I am seeing the truth to those words. Overt bias in western media coverage of Palestine. Politicians either afraid to speak the truth , their voices drowned out by accusations of a/s, or openly attacking free speech on behalf of Israel. Billionaires like Bill Ackerman employing his wealth to silence universities. America is no longer a democracy. It is an oligarchy.

[@jchan9761]

@@alexmost166 “The Israeli Lobby” - co authored by U Chicago and Harvard professors cuts through the rhetoric and provides facts and figures.

[@alexmost166]

@jchan9761 A couple of professors put together a book, that's it, I'm convinced. But also, just because there's a lobbying group, like many y other lobbies, ot doesn't mean it is so strong, it can demand and do whatever it wants. If you think Israel is getting everything it wants and needs, you are delusional.

[@dr.samierasadoonalhassani2669]

Who rule doesn’t matter because policy makers are the same in the background.

[@dr.samierasadoonalhassani2669]

Money is the new religion, ethics values and virtues . This is the result and many correlation variables.

[@boardoffisheries8640]

Money is the golden calf…an ancient religion

[@monkeydetonation]

It is not at all new, man has been greedy since the first time he laid eyes upon a shiny rock

[@dr.samierasadoonalhassani2669]

@@monkeydetonation absolutely

[@greybushMEproductions]

Did you see the new footage out of Jabalia? Really stunning stuff right? Sounds like the Gazans are singing a new tune. They totally flipped from chanting death to Jews to death to Hamas. Isn't it a kick?

[@dr.samierasadoonalhassani2669]

@ this is false. The truth will prevail. Lies and crimes against humanity are not allowed.

[@ougmass]

Democracy is more of a word, than a reality.

[@mickbean3916]

In theory socialism, communism, democracy, dictatorship, etc all have great points. The problem is the human aspect. Those in power become greedy, corrupt and drunk on power.

[@brandonmorin1179]

Plutocracy with democratic characteristics(tm)

[@texasray5237]

Democrazy

[@ougmass]

@texasray5237 yes, that's a good one

[@ougmass]

@macgyver37 thank you for your explanation. Yes an idea, not a condition, but, when an idea is far removed from the condition it purports to reflect, express, describe, or create, it becomes a confusion about the condition, or even a fiction, at least , to the extent of the distortion between the content, and meaning of the word, and its spelling, or projection on the ground. I agree that a genuine democracy, or some reasonable substance of it is better, or even good for the local, national, international, and global society, the question is how democratic is our democracy? Are we as people doing what it takes, to keep our democracy alive and effective, not only for the benefit of those who can, and are willing to pay for it, but for all.

[@obiwanceleri]

I disagree with Zizek on so many points but I love to hear him talk!

[@fungdark8270]

Same here

[@helpanimals-]

You're totally wrong about him. I agree with . We're entering Capitalist fascism

[@Nicitor313]

I agree with him on so many points but can't stand the way he speaks.

[@greybushMEproductions]

Goodness. That lisp is terrible. I can't stand listening to him. And his cross eyes make him look impaired. He' very smart, and also very stupid, simultaneously.

[@remypascal4872]

@@greybushMEproductions Do an analysis, a critic with facts. Or it is just a belief, with that low value...

[@citizen.cane1]

"I don't remember one occupation in which the occupier presented himself as the victim, we are the victims, we are forced to kill their children, po~ Israeli journalist Gideon Levy If Israelis don't want to be accused of being like the Nazis, they simply need to stop behaving like Nazis.." ~ Norman Finkelstein

[@sylviaberman1969]

American occupation on Germany after the collapse of N5zi germany. Doesn't sounds like the Americans were the oppressors - Mossab Hassan Yousef

[@veronikaquinton8447]

Gideon Levy was quoting Golda Meier 4th Zionist Prime minister. They constantly use the victim card, all the while they are devoid of humanity interaty and pity. Gaza's population was 50% children. And remember " anti Semitic? its a trick. We always use it" to stifle legitimate criticism of Zionist Israel. by Shulamit Aloni, former Israeli cabinet member. Winner of the 2000 Israel prize.

[@Research0digo]

Thank you!!!

[@chloegrobler4275]

@@sylviaberman1969 well...after 2 world wars you're mad not to keep a finger on the german pulse after that. Also, at that time stalins russia was looking to keep the ground it had fought for pushing back the Nazi's. Its reasonable.

[@usr123yt]

If Finkelsteen doesn't want to be accused of being an insane conspiracy theorist, he simply needs to stop behaving like one.

[@stellai06]

Zizek's thinking is always insightful and sophisticated.

[@greybushMEproductions]

To a point

[@schadowizationproductions6205]

I have a certain respect for the moderator that he kinda contains Zizek sometimes because this guy gets off the rails so quickly. Although I don't think he's completely dodging questions he sure wants to talk through his own framework.

[@margaretlucas7612]

Thanks for presentation was an interesting listen with valid evidence to support ZIZEK’s viewpoint

[@etcetera3282]

"I don't believe in simple neutrality. For me, truth is a category of subjective engagements. You cannot write a history of the Austwitiz or the Gulag or whatever, without being morally shoked by it. I believe truth hurts and to tell the truth, you cannot be allowed to occupy a neutral position. [Therefore], one needs to be shoked and engaged." Prof. Slavoj Źiźek

[@ChungPong2000]

One cannot read "Six Million" and not wonder if there is some marketing and b.s. going on? This Zizek is supposed to be a philosopher? He seems more like a diletantt, nah he is not a profound thinker

[@Jad3dJane]

Slavoj is fantastic, I do not agree on all he speaks about, but he has a good heart, and his way of describing things is amazing, Thank you for this interview.

[@patrickdoherty4527]

The interviewer made a point about celebrities palying a big role in elections. In reality, they were irrelevant.

[@JohnMoseley]

True. Except that Trump only got where he was by being a celebrity first, and, arguably, continuing to be a bigger celebrity than any of his opponents.

[@zbnmth]

Trump himself is a celebrity 😂

[@RTWPimpmachine]

Wrong. If that was the case, the GOP wouldn't have had clowns like Kid Rock or Hulk Hogan in their convention, lmao.

[@hidis2000]

Why does Riz Khan keep saying Israel vs Hamas? Isn’t it obvious by now it is Israel vs Palestinians? Also I didn’t hear anything in this interview that is radical or controversial!

[@PloniAlmoniAnonimi]

You are simply too radical to sense the controversy.

[@hidis2000]

@@PloniAlmoniAnonimi lol

[@elyeshomri6110]

@@PloniAlmoniAnonimiand you’re either too d’umb or being a smart a$$ .

[@ryanforgo3500]

and when did it ever become israel vs palestinian ? you also clearly show your ignorance if you think it is israel vs palestine. it is colonial imperialism vs indigenous people OF a land. which is why it's been happening wherever there is resourcces but it's been most cruel and longer in palestine.

[@merosi1234]

@@ryanforgo3500 Okay smart α$$

[@MaudMargretheRex]

Great talk… and I agree With the last comment..😊 and Ill be back for more..🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@dr17719]

I am so glad Zizek shared his thoughts. My mind was going the same direction for years but it feels good hearing someone much wiser and smarter than I confirm it and go further than I could take the concept.

[@nono99136]

Why? Having someone else confirm your thoughts / opinions, regardless of who it is, shouldn't validate your opinions. Think for yourself and stand tall brother. You don't need anyone else to pat you on the head and say "good boy".

[@dr17719]

​@@nono99136Not validation but hearing other people articulate similar theories. It's harder to have these types of moments outside of college environments.

[@luiszuluaga4686]

Only a beast can "reason" with such horror as a justification to "defend" itself.

[@dirkackermann6787]

Yeah - but I don't know to which beast on the side you are refering to...

[@Ramenscooter]

As you ask Palestinians to move from a particular building because you need to neutralize a target, Hamas holds citizens close to the target while continuing to fire rockets at the IDF. Who’s the beast?

[@GeilerDaddy]

@@dirkackermann6787 Israel obviously

[@MrAshar101]

@@dirkackermann6787 well whose the one using this it as an excuse as "to defend itself"

[@dr.samierasadoonalhassani2669]

Democracy is the rule of the people who know nothing ( Plato).

[@Intelife123]

Brilliant man. I find myself agreeing with his views. Especially pointing out that humanism such as Women's rights and Gay rights are being viewed by many third world countries as some sort of warped view as being part and parcel of Western Colonialism which makes me rather hopeless.

[@Julio1jpg]

A good man here. We should all look up to this kind of reasoning and honesty.

[@maxmaxneolit]

First time viewing this host's&team's work. It was very refreshing but also reminiscent of old pros. Kudos to the host and to the guest.

[@Solano1111]

this is one of the best interviews with zizek

[@DavidSmith-ff4qy]

Universities' reactions were not about suppressing free speech on campus but protecting the free movement of Jewish students and protecting them from harassment.

[@valardohaeriz5163]

Slavoj Zizek only gets more handsome by the day

[@nradics]

Fantastic! Odličan intervju profesore!

[@janemarie3666]

He was BRILLIANT

[@ALBERTBALAKASI]

Zizek's analysis always keep my main stream media oriented opinions in check.

[@MartaMysik-zv4lw]

I love zizek - it's always super exciting to listen to him

[@gukagudashvili]

Thanks for mentioning Georgia Gruzja❤

[@franky4984]

Finally common sense from Zizek! 👍

[@Research0digo]

What do you mean? Slavoj has always spoken common sense.

[@arbaazkhan410]

Very intresting questions.

[@JorgeRzezak]

When a person says: "My Jewish friends" ...it is all said, nothing else to add.

[@salimbenatik5108]

3000 years of approval addiction and you still look for tolerance 💀

[@brian6096]

One of the best zizek interviews

[@terriej123]

Love me some Sizek😊❤

[@Research0digo]

Zizek.

[@nedkelly8495]

The proverbial bottom line is this - "philosophers have only interpreted the world; the point, however, is to change it". (Curtsey of mr marx)

[@JohnMoseley]

But as Zizek has pointed out, even Marx at times freaked a bit when real action took place before he'd finished the book that was supposed to underpin it.

[@nashiuzahir7581]

this man has so many friends.

[@Starsky1413]

Brilliant

[@malkafrank5107]

Disappointing

[@Quarky_]

What a nice interview, and probably the only time I saw an empty bookshelf as backdrop 😛

[@stefanotittarelli4054]

I agree completely with Zizek,Riz Khan seems to have no hidden agenda,he just wants to find out the truth of topics,included the controversial ones,he lets his guest tell his own truth,knowing that only by listening first,can we learn.

[@cambiacommunity2139]

I now wonder, if the greatest philosophers of our time have zero agreement on good and evil, what hope do the rest of us have? What hope can we have for this world?

[@ChannelMath]

well, it's kind of their job to disagree.

[@cupes2231]

Read the Bible. Not the zionist version. Jesus spelled it out clearly

[@asorlokirunarsson9864]

Christian atheism: How to be a real materialist is the kind of book we need in our culture

[@MartaMysik-zv4lw]

You handle zizek so good - perfact questions - ty

[@wanderingsoul1189]

Zizek is the ultimate boss, but the interviewer is very witty and gentle, doesn't interfere slightly.

[@pipofix]

Brilliant interview! Thank you

[@JanePurnell]

Slavoj, if I can manage to love and hate will I cease to exist or achieve the transcendent Big Other - great programme

[@erisu69]

The interviewer did a good job - but the slight time delay meant that it was very funny to see him struggling to get in each question after Zizek gave an infinitely long answer to the previous one.

[@TonyMakkar]

Zizek's take on Ukraine is contrary to that of Jeffrey Sachs, John Mearsheimer, Colonel Larry Wilkerson, Colonel Douglas McGregor, Scott Ritter, Glenn Greenwald, and many more. Zizek needs to explain why that interpretation is wrong.

[@Davidbeattiification]

If he’s contrary to all those people I’m not interested to hear anything he has to say - on this matter. And frankly I’m astonished because I like Zizek and think he’s often right. But I’m not for bending on this, NATO is in the wrong and Israel is in the wrong.

[@fpxy00]

He gave very precise explanation, he downplays geopolitical realism and as true Hegelian-Idealist he gives weight to ideological war. He opossess Russia only because he sees Russia as conservative "right wing" empyrean state, while Ukraine, Baltic states are leftist liberals (thou they are nazis) Note that those 2 ideologies are in competitor, not opposite thats why they hate so much. He obviously understands it when he explains "soft" fascism. Giovani Gentile, the father of Italian fascism was also Hegelian Idealist was of a same opinion. For him Democracy is fascism "par excellence".

[@thomasurbani1600]

Ignorant people doesn' t know the great men you mentioned...

[@boristabareag3598]

Of course Zizek is not the man to follow if you want to learn what is really behind the Ukraine issue since 2014: the name to follow is, apart from the bright names you mention and some others, Ivan Katchanovsky, canadian-ukranian scholar from Ottawa University who has proven beyond any doubt that Maidan Massacre is a CIA-NATO product.

[@kimcarsons7036]

he's been doing thesis/anti-thesis dialectics for so long , he is longer able to create a new synthesis

[@geoffreycanie4609]

Me too. I am not getting softer, the older I get the more radical I am! Left is Best.

[@hermitthefrog8951]

Left and right are both controlled opposition. Think freely, do not align.

[@KnowledgeSimmons]

He’s right,they’re scared of the people actually having a voice in their political system. The private sector will never allow it

[@bnwug]

Zizek getting a dirty joke request by an AI robot. This is my favorite interview of Zizek so far.

[@cupes2231]

The intervieweris quite good. Better than most.

[@peacekeepermoe]

You would hope so... He used to work for Al Jazeera English, CNN and BBC.

[@bilelbilal7822]

bravo professor

[@mehdimehdikhani5899]

Only zizek's background will be an empty library.

[@max_lowtide]

Yeah seriously

[@mjleger]

The idea that Trump is a postmodern figure was first put forward by the Russian artist Alexander Melamid in Time magazine ( May 2017 ), in the essay "Blame the Rise of Trump on the Avant-Garde Movement," by which he means the counterculture and postmodernism.

[@allencohen4204]

"The most important part of philosophy is to help us unlearn what we think we know" - Wittgenstein Washington, jefferson, Adams, Franklyn all invested considerable wealth in areas that the British were planning to make protected native american territories...

[@arunmaheshwari1040]

Zizek , you remain the light in this dark era.

[@PloniAlmoniAnonimi]

Many insects mistake this feeble light for a star

[@ThoreKoelemeijer]

Or the exact opposite, the darkness in the light?

[@valorieya]

@@ThoreKoelemeijer marx's poems basically.

[@bubblebobble9654]

I don't think you need to be a philosophy genius or a conspiracy theorist (often separated by a thread) to at least strongly suspect that people high up in the Israeli government were really really hoping, and possibly actively working to enable, something like Oct 7.

[@BobHill-s2c]

He lost me at Russia. Because he has friends in the Baltics and Ukraine, he refuses to see the changing world order. So, what Russia has imperial ambitions (I would prefer if it didn't, but...)? America has 800 bases around the world, made half of the world poor though IMF/World Bank/regime changes and veto power at the UN (never mind millions killed in wars it spurred).

[@dragon2695]

Zizek must be losing the plot lately!!!

[@MauriceFitzGeraldsoraxtm]

Wow! He is so out of touch it is ridiculous. It is like listening to the CIA with an accent. It is sad because he use to say interesting things.

[@-frantsel6403]

What was that interviewer please?! The moment it got interesting he rips him off and asks one of the greatest thinkers of our time about a joke? Unbelievable.. WTF..

[@greybushMEproductions]

He didn't like what he was hearing perhaps...I haven't got there yet.

[@WolfgangHuber-t8d]

no Zizek interview that isn't about the whole world. The most interesting statement was that religious fundamentalism has more passion in it than the action-blocking nihilism of the West. and insofar as countermovement is understandable. I mean, it's clear to everyone that all you have to do is react to Israel. Ethnic cleansing is a clear fact. He doesn't call it genozit but I call it that. Ultimately, however, with Zizek it always boils down to the fact that he is looking for a whole in a conceptual analysis. and want to include every phenomenon. I think we are in an age of de-democratization. This means that only those who have “earned” a position of power of some kind have “deserved” effective action and reason. In this respect, lobbying is the opposite of democratic group dynamics. this is happening less and less. since there can no longer be any upward pressure from sensible, powerless people. For me, democracy is not just the power of the majority. Democracy is the ability of reasonable people to influence group dynamics in a group of people or people in institutions that do not initially think of the established powerful superstructure of the group. The power of the majority is just a strukture of democrathy, but not the energetic depth.

[@florianalla2353]

Amazing analysis. I enjoyed it.

[@WolfgangHuber-t8d]

@@florianalla2353 thank you!

[@florianalla2353]

@@WolfgangHuber-t8d as we are close to US elections I’d suggest a well known old Zizek piece titled “Why we all love to hate Jörg Haider”, such a good article you can find it on New Left Review for free.

[@greybushMEproductions]

LOL. Genocide makes population go up. Palestinian population has increased over 100,000 since October 7. Anyone arguing genocide is an ignoramus. The civilian deaths are high because Hamas wants them to be.

[@paulchampagne-hx9ob]

Five minutes in and Zizek is already calling anti war movements far right in Europe. I guess it's going to be a stretch for him to admit that liberals are fascists not Marxists.

[@brianmeh8465]

"I’ve been asking myself for some time now-what happened to Slavoj Žižek? His recent commentary on the situation in Ukraine and global affairs is shockingly off the mark. Just a few days ago, he presented a perspective that feels disturbingly disconnected from reality. I once held a lot of respect for him, but something seems to have changed drastically. Has he been pressured, influenced, or even threatened? Or could there be some health or medical issues affecting his judgment? Knowing him from years past, as someone from the same country and almost the same generation, I can’t help but feel that something just isn’t right."

[@JapanDriver]

What specifically do you take issue with? I hear very much the usual Zizek here. Reworking old material, while twisting new ideas into it.

[@KazzakLordOfDoom]

Is he really wrong about Ukraine, though? I don't really agree with him either. But, on the other hand I highly doubt Putin's plans for Ukraine were to just let the people be. The invasion itself was certanly provoked by NATO, but NATO's intervention after it begun was likely the only thing preventing a swift Russian victory. Saying that NATO should just let Russia win essentially means that Ukrainians don't deserve their own country...

[@brianmeh8465]

@@JapanDriver Thank you for your question; let me clarify what I find troubling. I’ve known Žižek’s work since the early days, long before he became prominent in Western universities. His recent commentary-particularly in his KZbin interview with Al Arabia-is unsettling to me, not because of a single argument, but because it reflects a noticeable departure from the core principles of philosophy. Philosophy, as I see it, is meant to analyze events and systems from an impartial standpoint, considering historical, current, and future contexts, and it shouldn’t align with specific political systems or figures. When Žižek initially began to critique communism, I felt that was fair, as no system is beyond critique. But over time, his commentary became so vehemently anti-communist and Western-leaning that it no longer seemed like an objective philosophical analysis; it started to feel one-sided and politically biased. It’s as if his philosophical insights were traded for a position that aligns with mainstream Western narratives. This seems inconsistent with the idea of philosophy, which ideally seeks understanding without allegiance. Žižek’s recent remarks appear to lack logical rigor and objective analysis. They feel disconnected from the nuanced perspectives offered by other respected analysts and thinkers today-figures like Jeffrey Sachs, Colonel Douglas MacGregor, and John Mearsheimer, who maintain a balanced, insightful approach even when addressing complex and divisive global events. Unlike Žižek, these thinkers avoid taking sides and focus instead on the deeper, underlying dynamics at play. I can’t help but wonder whether Žižek’s shift is due to some external pressure or perhaps a desire for greater acceptance and prominence in Western academia. It’s disappointing, especially because I’ve respected his capacity for deep, critical thought. Seeing him now take on what feels like a propagandistic role is disheartening. I’m left wondering if he’s lost his philosophical grounding or compromised it for the sake of visibility or financial gain. Either way, it’s painful to watch someone I once respected drift from what I believe is the true purpose of philosophy: exploring truth without allegiance to any system or side.

[@VoloBonja]

Zizek is right about Ukraine. Russia started war, commits war crimes daily - what is the position to take? To blame Nato for the genocide that Putin started? Reminder: 1994 Ukraine gave it's nuclear weapons to Russia, while Russia promised to respect Ukraine in it's 1991 borders. Think about that now. You think he's biased, while your understanding of the war in Ukraine is definetly influenced by russain state propaganda. Whos off the mark again?

[@brianmeh8465]

@@VoloBonja Look, Volobonja, I don’t know where you got this idea that I’m discussing Ukraine, the war, or placing blame on Putin, Russia, or anyone else. That wasn’t my focus when I assessed this philosopher. For me, he could very well be a political analyst discussing world economic or political issues-that’s not the problem. My issue is that this isn’t philosophy. Philosophy, in its essence, is unbiased. It doesn’t concern itself with aligning to one system or another, whether it’s Russian, Western, NATO, or anything else. Philosophy examines situations and problems without naming or blaming; it’s about diving deeper into the nature of these issues, in a way that is often far beyond what most people even attempt to comprehend. And I don’t say this to insult you, but perhaps if you read my critique without attaching it to any particular side, you’d understand what I’m saying. I may have my personal opinions, but that’s irrelevant here because I’m not sharing them, nor am I trying to push them on anyone. My perspective is purely philosophical, and that’s why I’m questioning this philosopher’s approach-because what he’s doing here isn’t philosophy. It makes me wonder if he’s either lost his philosophical objectivity or is simply saying what he thinks will resonate for some other reason. Something just doesn’t add up, and I wanted to address that. So please, next time, think carefully before you jump to respond.

[@parvusprinceps628]

I will never ever invest 2 minutes of my precious time on wasting it on a debate about which presidentialial candidate is the better one, cuz IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO IS ELECTED! The game is rigged guys, this is not politics but entertainment!

[@theopensource09]

'Soft Fascism" is an underestimation

[@cambiacommunity2139]

When zooming into a conflict it is always possible to construct one side as victim and other as perpetrator because of the reactivity inherent in every conflict, but when you zoom out you can see a pattern: do you want islam or secular humanis values to win? Do you want to live in syria? Libya? Yemen? Sudan? Where are christian, druz, kurdish minorities prefering to live? Israel or iraq? Where are assylum seekers coming from? Israel or iran?

[@hidis2000]

this comment depicts the pro-zionist islamophobic view of the world

[@anythingidkn5938]

Your comment is a great example of ad hock paradox

[@schadowizationproductions6205]

I really don't see this secular humanism in action. For example I'm almost certain that a majority of Israelis prefers American or Euopean migrant jews over Arab jews. The argument for the Israeli state as a represantitive and protector of local oppressed jewish people just serves as a smoke screen for the disregard that a lot of Israelis hold against Arab jews similar to their view of Arabs in general.

[@cambiacommunity2139]

@schadowizationproductions6205 I agree with you about the observation that Ashkenazi Jews are preferred, but when I compare that to the relations of suni and Shia in Arab world I have to admire Israel multi ethnic integration.

[@hidis2000]

@ except for Palestinians

[@goglebert]

this is journalism

[@dianalee1589]

he is on the side of military industrial complex ….. not a philosopher ….

[@dindu551]

this man is interesting to listen to

[@nedkelly8495]

I quite like professor zigzag. He's popular (among western academics) because he deploys 'common sense' logic ensconced by the dominant hegemony (white, West, wealthy, capitalist). And therein lies the flaws in professor zigzag's observations, analysis, indeed, his logic. I like him because his descriptions & explication are "all over the place" - because he is thus difficult to follow. (Frm NZ)

[@theopensource09]

I don't see that at all

[@FundedinaWeek]

Pity Zizek cannot see what he cannot see. :D As the rest of us. But what made him so blind when it comes to Ukraine, NATO, Putin and Russia is still a bit surprising. Maybe because he is Slovenian. Slovenians were not bombed by NATO.

[@JamesBolder54]

Oh, how nice to show up! After being quiet for a whole year. So brave! Now telling us what is blatantly apparent. And everyone can see it. Bravo! Excellent analysis! The constant drawing of comparisons and hypothetical scenarios is a bit tiresome. A more straightforward approach directly pointing to material facts would work better. It's like he has never read Chomsky. Except to dissect his manner of communication.

[@auction247]

It is possible that wireless headphones really do have a negative effect on the brain. The question is how long he has been using them, because his decline in thinking has been going on for some time. I think the positive thing that Zizek can bring is a new wave of believers in God.

[@WeiShihong]

? .. He has Bell's Palsy.

[@mosstutor]

That was an scary interview! Was it scary interview1? Or I haven't watched shit like this before!

[@gabrielciocoiu2382]

This discution is disappointing, first what motivation anyone has to call kamala neomarxist, you might not know what a marxist is. Sevond this philosopher is disconnected of reality. Ukraine obligation was to respect international treaties where is part on. If not......

[@f.m.9531]

So sad that Slovoj did not understand the massiv Covid-Propaganda and cencorship totalitarianism. I would have appreciated his critical left voice on the matter.

[@AL_iVe_now]

I got the feeling this "interview" was just to show that EVEN "the most dangerous philosopher in the west" (haha) would have voted Harris. "let the lunaticism continue!!!"

[@tayo_95]

"Hegel remarks somewhere that all great world-historic facts and personages appear, so to speak, twice. He forgot to add: the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce".

[@solgato5186]

i liked zizek while in the vacuum of anarchism; anarchists' loss of touch with USA's unceasing dependence on genocide & slavery left a void that made pretty much anything sound like something.

[@tgfover9000]

Love Slavoj

[@aa-io9jq]

"land dispute"... what a funny guy.

[@ZecZli]

I see Žižek for the first time - genuinely angry, pissed off, disgusted.

[@isitme1234]

Cognitive dissonance

[@SD-fx4sq]

❤ only here for Ź

[@zormaks]

Slavoj, amazing as always. The "joke" at the end brought laughing tears into my eyes :D

[@NotanEmpire]

Riz asks questions Slavoj has already answered. Is Riz not listening?

[@peacekeepermoe]

He's reading a script on his phone... He has to follow the script lol.

[@sensemusicofficial]

theres no such thing as "greater israel" theres no such thing as israel at all until they make peace with the Palestinians