The Rasheed Griffith Show

51. Is Javier Milei Really Libertarian - Carlos Rodríguez Braun

Send a textIn this no-nonsense conversation, Professor Carlos Rodríguez Braun — author of El Pensamiento de Milei — helps us decipher the often confusing worldview of Argentina’s president, Javier Milei. We go through the philosophical paths that took Milei from admiring Chicago-school thinkers to openly praising Rothbard’s anarcho-capitalism, and we examine the often jarring contradictions revealed by his alliances with figures like Bolsonaro, Abascal, and Meloni.Key Points Anarcho-Capitalist or Just Radical?How Milei’s shifting stances on economic policy blur the lines between classical liberalism, minarchism, and outright anarchism.Bolsonaro, Abascal, & Trump—Strange Bedfellows?Why a self-styled free trader cozies up to staunch protectionists and far-right politicians in pursuit of a new global “culture war.”Social Policy ParadoxesMilei rails against abortion as murder but leans libertarian on marriage (at least on the surface) —yet his conservative circle often contradicts these freedoms.Culture War GambleWill Milei’s aggressive rhetoric on “gender ideology” undercut Argentina’s hard-won social freedoms and destabilize his own economic reforms?The Future of Liberalism in ArgentinaWith the nation’s midterm elections looming, can Milei deliver on taming inflation and sparking growth or risk discrediting liberalism for a generation?

50. Dancehall Music is Absurd, and We love It

Send a textNostalgia can be a powerful force. This is extremely evident in the musings of our discussion on Jamaican Dancehall. Join us for a tea-time chat on Reggae’s vulgar, and culturally rebellious cousin.Dancehall is a rather vibrant and colorful subgenre of Reggae rooted deeply in Caribbean culture, but the similarities are surface-level at best. The genre is criticized for its overt vulgarity, hypersexualization, and at times, problematic lyrics which have exported varying levels of lawlessness from Jamaica to its neighbors and beyond. Besides its lasting impact on language through the introduction of crude and derogatory terms like “Chi Chi Man” to the greater Caribbean, Dancehall has also been a potent vector for homophobia and other forms of discrimination throughout the region.Are we bashing it? Yes. Will we stop singing it? No. Herein lies the great contradiction. Despite the criticisms leveled above, dancehall is recognized as an enduring and significant part of Caribbean identity and is firmly entrenched in contemporary depictions of “Caribbeana.” In this episode, we explore if it is possible to reconcile these attributes, and the genre’s ironic transition from a tool of oppression, to a tool of protest against itself.

49. We Are Black Britain - Lord Sewell

Send a textIn this episode, Rasheed is joined by Lord Sewell of the British House of Lords, for an insightful discussion on education, race, and the socio-political dynamics in the UK and the Caribbean. They explore the myths of systemic discrimination, and the evolving narratives surrounding immigration, colonialism, and identity.Mind the GapLord Sewell highlights the challenges Afro-Caribbean students face in the UK, emphasizing the impact of family structure and socioeconomic conditions on academic performance. His program, Generating Genius, seeks to address gaps in STEM education by providing long-term mentorship to nurture talent.It’s ComplicatedWe critique broad racial generalizations, emphasizing intra-group differences. Lord Sewell draws comparisons between Caribbean and African diasporas in the UK and the U.S., attributing disparities in performance to cultural and structural factors rather than race alone.LegacyHere we examine the persistence of colonial narratives in the Caribbean and the UK. Lord Sewell surmises most anti-colonial movements and discussions are performative, and calls for embracing the positive aspects of British influence while addressing present challenges more pragmatically.

48. Why Dollarization Works in Ecuador - Francisco Zalles

Send a textFull transcript at www.cpsi.mediaFrancisco Zalles, Ecuadorian Economist and Professor gives us an in-depth account of Ecuador’s journey to dollarization. A series of unfortunate events…The economic crisis of the late 1990s, marked by a banking collapse due to external shocks (El Niño triggered the underperformance of the banana industry), poor fiscal policies, and mismanagement by the Central Bank, paved the way for drastic monetary reform in Ecuador.A good policy is a good policyPresident Jamil Mahuad's sudden decision to dollarize in 2000, at a time of extreme political and economic instability, was a last-ditch effort to save his administration. Despite limited planning, and many efforts to undermine sound monetary governance, the policy gained immediate popularity and stabilized the economy by halting inflation and restoring confidence.Dollarization means developmentFrancisco sees dollarization not only as a stabilization mechanism but as a tool for institutional reform. It anchors private property rights over money, minimizes political interference, and enhances productivity by reducing inflationary uncertainty.There is no more democratic private property than money. And building institutions is a long-term process. Dollarization is a very fast and efficient way to introduce an inclusive institution. - Fancisco ZallesThe futureFrancisco’s dream? The closure of the Central Bank of Ecuador. This would solidify the benefits of dollarization. He underscores its potential as a safeguard against populism and a driver of sustainable economic growth.

47. Blueprint for Development: Housing in Madrid - Diego Sánchez de la Cruz

Send a textWhile Barcelona scapegoats tourism for its housing shortage, Madrid is setting the standard for development with initiatives to improve its housing stock. The “capital of capitalism” is once again employing proven liberal governance techniques to position itself as a premier city in Europe. Diego Sanchez de la Cruz returns to the show to discuss policies being enacted to expand living options for the fastest-growing city in Spain. By abolishing oppressive rent controls, improving mortgage accessibility, and unlocking new zoning for construction, Madrid is acknowledging the challenges that come with being the city of choice for many new residents and nomads, seeking new opportunities that also strengthen the city’s workforce and future-proof it for growth. Spain’s dynamic political landscape provides fascinating insight into juxtaposed methods of administration and poignant lessons for Latin America and the Caribbean.