Show Notes
Noah Kulwin and Brendan James of Blowback join us to discuss their new mini-series on the history of the US-Israel relationship, how the Cold War turned into the War on Terror, and the current moment of tension over the Iran war. Blowback’s first-ever mini-series, No Daylight, is available now for Blowback subscribers. This is part one of a two-part conversation with Noah and Brendan. In part two, they reflect on the broader arc of the American century and what they have learned across six seasons of Blowback. Part two will be released on July 3rd, exclusively for Turbulence’s paid subscribers. Our Anti-4th of July Sale is live. For this week only, you'll get 20% off both monthly and annual subscriptions. If you choose an annual plan, you'll also receive our usual $5 annual discount, giving you a full year of Turbulence at our lowest price. If you've enjoyed listening over the past eight months and you're in a position to support our work, your subscription helps us keep this show independent and sustainable. Brendan James is a writer, musician, and former producer of the hit podcast Chapo Trap House. Noah Kulwin is a reporter and editor who has written for The New York Times, New York, The Drift, Jewish Currents, and elsewhere. Together, they host the political history podcast Blowback. Works mentioned: Genesis: Truman, American Jews, and the Origins of the Arab/Israeli Conflict; High Noon in Washington: The Shootout over the Loan Guarantees; Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance; Containing Arab Nationalism: The Eisenhower Doctrine and the Middle East. We’re committed to independence and will never run ads or take money from institutions. That means Turbulence is entirely listener-funded. For $5 a month, paid subscribers gain access to weekly news analysis bonus episodes, where we respond to events as they unfold, follow up on previous discussions, and draw connections across the conflicts shaping our world. Most importantly, paid subscriptions make it possible for us to keep doing this work independently, week after week. Subscribe today at turbulencepod.substack.com Follow along on Twitter/X and Instagram @turbulence_pod Theme: Eye for an Eye, Haram (2017) Art: Vivek Venkatraman
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We continue our discussion with Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper on the history of popular resistance in Haiti, the contradictions of the Aristide era, the PetroCaribe protests of 2018, and the current struggle for sovereignty from below. Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper is an Assistant Professor of Global and International Studies at the University of California, Irvine. She is also the director of the Center for Racial Justice at UCI. Dougé-Prosper’s work generally focuses on Black social movements. More specifically, her research centers around protest movements in 21st century Haiti. Dougé-Prosper has published in political magazines such as Black Agenda Report, LeftEast, Phenomenal World, Jacobin and NACLA as well as academic journals such as Women’s Studies Quarterly, International Studies Review, Kalfou, Small Axe, PoLAR and the Journal of Haitian Studies. She is completing her first manuscript titled Nation Against State: Development Contested in Occupied Haiti. Dougé-Prosper is currently a board member of Grassroots International. Between 2018 and 2024, she served as the coordinator of the Pan-African Solidarity Network with Community Movement Builders. To support Palestinians in Gaza, consider donating through The Sameer Project. For $5 a month, paid subscribers gain access to weekly news analysis bonus episodes, where we respond to events as they unfold, follow up on previous discussions, and draw connections across the conflicts shaping our world. Most importantly, paid subscriptions make it possible for us to keep doing this work independently, week after week. Subscribe today at turbulencepod.substack.com Follow along on Twitter/X and Instagram @turbulence_pod Theme: Eye for an Eye, Haram (2017) Art: Vivek Venkatraman Researcher: KC Mix: Jasper Saba
Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper joins us to discuss the history of foreign intervention in Haiti, the political and economic origins of the country’s so-called gangs, and the centuries-long struggle between the Haitian state and popular sovereignty. Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper is an Assistant Professor of Global and International Studies at the University of California, Irvine. She is also the director of the Center for Racial Justice at UCI. Dougé-Prosper’s work generally focuses on Black social movements. More specifically, her research centers around protest movements in 21st century Haiti. Dougé-Prosper has published in political magazines such as Black Agenda Report, LeftEast, Phenomenal World, Jacobin and NACLA as well as academic journals such as Women’s Studies Quarterly, International Studies Review, Kalfou, Small Axe, PoLAR and the Journal of Haitian Studies. She is completing her first manuscript titled Nation Against State: Development Contested in Occupied Haiti. Dougé-Prosper is currently a board member of Grassroots International. Between 2018 and 2024, she served as the coordinator of the Pan-African Solidarity Network with Community Movement Builders. To support Palestinians in Gaza, consider donating through The Sameer Project. Episode Guide: * MINUSTAH — United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (2004–2017). Brazil-led UN peacekeeping mission established following the removal of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. * MINUJUSTH — United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (2017–2019). Successor to MINUSTAH, focused on policing and judicial institutions. * BINUH — United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (2019–present). UN political mission supporting governance, security, and human rights. * MSS — Multinational Security Support Mission (2024–2026). Kenya-led multinational security force authorized by the UN Security Council. * GSF — Gang Suppression Force (2026–present). Multinational force authorized to combat armed groups in Haiti. * FRAPH — Front for the Advancement and Progress of Haiti. Paramilitary organization implicated in repression following the 1991 coup against Aristide. * PHTK — Parti Haïtien Tèt Kale. Political party associated with former presidents Michel Martelly and Jovenel Moïse. * G9 — G9 an Fanmi e Alye (G9 Family and Allies). Armed-group coalition associated with Jimmy Chérizier (“Barbecue”). * ALBA — Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America. Regional cooperation initiative established by Venezuela and Cuba. * IMF — International Monetary Fund. International financial institution involved in Haiti’s economic restructuring. * OAS — Organization of American States. Regional intergovernmental organization. * HOPE — Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act. U.S. trade-preference legislation for Haitian apparel. * HELP — Haiti Economic Lift Program Act. U.S. legislation expanding trade preferences for Haitian textiles and apparel. We’re committed to independence and will never run ads or take money from institutions. That means Turbulence is entirely listener-funded. For $5 a month, paid subscribers gain access to weekly news analysis bonus episodes, where we respond to events as they unfold, follow up on previous discussions, and draw connections across the conflicts shaping our world. Most importantly, paid subscriptions make it possible for us to keep doing this work independently, week after week. Subscribe today at turbulencepod.substack.com Follow along on Twitter/X and Instagram @turbulence_pod Theme: Eye for an Eye, Haram (2017) Art: Vivek Venkatraman Researcher: KC Mix: Jasper Saba
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit turbulencepod.substack.com
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit turbulencepod.substack.com