Which side are you on? Keir, Nadia and Jem consider the ebb and flow of political commitment with ideas and music from Jodi Dean, Gramsci, John Coltrane and the Raincoats.

Is cultural production the same as political action? What’s the difference between an ally and a comrade? And why do some communists end up as right-wing turncoats?

Find the books and music mentioned in the show: https://novara.media/acfm

Rebels are continuing their surprise advance across Syria and have gained control of the country’s fourth largest city.

Plus: We speak to an expert about the state of trans healthcare in the UK.

With Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani.

Amnesty International has released a comprehensive new report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

Plus: New pledges from Keir Starmer; and the murder of a US health insurance CEO.

With Steven Methven and NoJusticeMTG.

In 1891, the French drew the borders of what became Mali. Like many colonial borders, they were arbitrary, absurd to the many nomads who supposedly lived within them.

Now climate change is ravaging the Sahel region, and many of those nomads are being forced to settle down. And Russia and China have arrived to replace the long tail of French colonial domination. As has Al-Qaeda.

So what does this all have to do with the far-right anti-imperialism of Steve Bannon?

James Pogue is a journalist with an extraordinary range. He has reported from Mauritania and the Central African Republic, from the private gatherings of JD Vance and the militias of Oregon.

In this episode, he tells Richard Hames about how violence, money, racism weave together at the end of an empire – and perhaps the beginning of another.

The French government is at risk of collapse as its prime minister faces a vote of no confidence.

Plus: We spoke to Jamie Doucette about the failed coup in South Korea.

With Michael Walker and Helena NoJusticeMTG.

South Korea’s president has attempted to stage a coup, triggering massive protests.

Plus: Israel’s repeated violations of the Lebanon ceasefire; and pro-EU protests in Georgia.

With Aaron Bastani and Steven Methven.

Moya and Ash tackle a mystery question about breaking bad habits, with a frank discussion about open relationships, exercise and disordered eating (content warning). Plus, a listener with a question about cross-racial dating, and verdicts on Gladiator II and GNX.

Email your missed connections and dilemmas to [email protected]

Music by Matt Huxley.

Opposition fighters have launched a surprise offensive into Syria, taking control of President Assad’s official residence.

Plus: Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter.

With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.

Humanity has long pursued an elixir of youth and dreamed of eternal life. For the Abrahamic faiths, physical immortality was lost in the Garden of Eden, with only the soul remaining of permanence. More recently, futurists and thinkers have speculated about the possibilities of radical life extension.

For neuroscientist Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston there is another alternative, however. He believes that the human brain could be fully mapped and digitally reproduced – with the first part of that process possible within a century. He talks to Aaron Bastani about living forever.

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The assisted bill has passed its second reading with a majority of 55 MPs.

Plus: The transport secretary has resigned; and Ireland prepares to vote.

With Ash Sarkar and Aaron Bastani.