As 2025 begins, California is on fire. And it feels like much of the rest of the world is burning, too. From the slaughter in the Middle East to a new Cold War brewing in Asia, everywhere we look is filled with uncertainty.

At home, the California wildfires have exposed much of the true face of capitalism. From prison laborers risking their lives for pennies by fighting the blazes to massive price hikes for rents in Southern California, the U.S. is crumbling.

Yet externally, America is as aggressive as ever. Only last month, it helped force through a coup against the Assad government in Syria, and Trump has made noises about using force against Panama, Greenland, and has threatened Canada, Cuba, Venezuela and other nations in the Global South.

This is one reason why so many people around the world do not see the United States as a global leader, but as a dangerous, hyper-imperialist force hellbent on world domination. Joining us on the MintCast today to discuss the state of the world in 2025 is Vijay Prashad. Vijay is a historian, journalist and the executive director of the Tricontinental Institute, an organization seeking to build a bridge between academic production and political and social movements.

Vijay has written more than 40 books. His most recent is “On Cuba: Reflections on 70 Years of Revolution and Struggle.” Co-written with Noam Chomsky, the book explores the history of Cuba since 1959, and how the island has interacted with and survived onslaughts from the U.S. empire.

In this episode, Adley and Prashad discuss the California wildfires, the toppling of the Syrian government, the situation in the Middle East, and Washington’s obsession with China.

Mnar Adley is an award-winning journalist and editor and is the founder and director of MintPress News. She is also president and director of the non-profit media organization Behind the Headlines. Adley also co-hosts the MintCast podcast and is a producer and host of the video series Behind The Headlines. Contact Mnar at mnar@mintpressnews.com or follow her on Twitter at @mnarmuh.

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Also, check out rapper Lowkey’s video interview/podcast series, The Watchdog.

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