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Dear Friend,
This issue of Countercurrents brings together reflections on some of the defining questions of our time: war and historical memory, inequality and ecological justice, democratic rights, censorship, education, and struggles for dignity.
Several articles focus on Palestine, examining the historical roots of the devastation in Gaza, the enduring human costs of occupation, and the ethical framework of Palestinianism. Other contributions address widening inequalities, environmental conflicts surrounding data centres, racism, and efforts to rebuild working-class power in South Africa.
From digital repression and debates on justice inspired by Aristotle to concerns over self-censorship, electoral democracy, and the legacy of twelve years of the Modi government, the issue explores the pressures confronting democratic life. Reports on resistance to evictions in Kolkata and student-led protests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands highlight continuing struggles over rights and livelihoods.
We also carry essays on AI and higher education, the social dimensions of substance abuse, and two tributes to Bharathiraja, whose cinema consistently engaged with questions of equality and human dignity.
As always, Countercurrents remains committed to providing space for critical voices and independent analysis that connect immediate events with their deeper historical and structural contexts.
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Editor
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PALESTINE
How Israel Planned Gaza Genocide Decades Ago
by Jonathan Cook
This article by Jonathan Cook examines historical testimonies from Israeli soldiers and archival material to argue that patterns visible in the current destruction of Gaza have roots extending back decades. Drawing on recently highlighted accounts from the 1967 war and broader historical developments, the author contends that displacement, collective punishment and military practices directed at Palestinians reflect long-standing policies rather than isolated events. The article also discusses the role of Western governments and media narratives in shaping public understanding of the conflict. It places recent events in Gaza within a wider historical framework and debates over accountability and international law.
Reflections on Power, Memory, and the Price Palestine Pays
by Dr Salim Nazzal
Dr. Salim Nazzal reflects on two contrasting stories that illuminate questions of power, memory, and resistance in Palestine. Moving from the voice of an elderly Palestinian confronting bombardment to comments attributed to an Israeli minister, the article examines the human consequences of war, displacement, and occupation. It also considers the historical role of Western powers and the continuing support many governments extend to Israeli policies. At its centre is the experience of ordinary people whose lives are shaped by decisions made far beyond their control and whose losses continue across generations.
Why Palestinianism Is Misread as Hostility, and Why That Misreading Must End
by Ghassan Shahrour
This article by Ghassan Shahrour argues that Palestinianism is a dignity-centered framework rooted in humanitarian practice and universal ethics rather than political hostility. It examines why efforts to center Palestinian experience are frequently met with accusations of bias, antisemitism, or hidden agendas. Drawing on the work of Jewish scholars and public intellectuals including Gabor Maté, Richard Falk, Judith Butler, Ilan Pappé, and Eyal Weizman, the article contends that acknowledging Palestinian suffering is consistent with broader principles of justice and human solidarity and can help expose structural failures in systems of protection and accountability.
INEQUALITY
What is missing in Piketty’s well-intentioned aim of prosperity for all while achieving the climate goal
by Bharat Dogra
Economist Thomas Piketty argues that global prosperity, climate goals and social justice can be pursued together through redistribution, wealth taxes and support for the Global South. Bharat Dogra welcomes this vision but questions its feasibility in the context of neo-colonial economic structures, inadequate climate finance and widening inequalities. He argues that environmental concerns extend beyond climate change and that peace and disarmament are essential for justice-based development. The article calls for confronting the deeper realities of war, ecological crises and concentrated wealth rather than relying on billionaire taxation as a pathway to a sustainable and equitable future.
DATA CENTRE
Environmental Clearance for Vizag Hyperscale Data Center at Adavivaram-Mudasarlova is Brazen Injustice, Suspend it Immediately: HRF
by Human Rights Forum
Human Rights Forum has called for the immediate suspension of the environmental clearance granted to the proposed Vizag Hyperscale Data Center at Adavivaram-Mudasarlova. The organisation argues that the approval overlooks concerns relating to the Mudasarlova reservoir catchment, ecological impacts, transparency and cumulative environmental costs. It has also raised questions about alleged pre-clearance site activities and the wider push for multiple hyperscale data centers in the Visakhapatnam region. HRF is demanding an independent review, full public disclosure of relevant studies and stronger safeguards for ecologically sensitive areas.
RACISM
Cornelia Gipson: Unlearning Racism
by Robert Jensen
Robert Jensen reflects on conversations with Cornelia Gipson about racism, whiteness, privilege, and the challenges of honest self-examination. Drawing on Gipson’s experiences and their exchange of candid questions, the article explores how racial hierarchies shape everyday life and how both internalized racism and white privilege are sustained and contested. Gipson argues that meaningful change depends on relationships, empathy, and confronting historical realities rather than relying on symbolic diversity initiatives. Their dialogue examines fear, denial, accountability, and the ongoing work of repair, presenting racial justice as a lifelong personal and collective process.
SOUTH AFRICA
From Declaration to Action: Building Working-Class Power and Completing South Africa’s Democratic Revolution
by Molly Dhlamini
The article reflects on the South African Communist Party’s 2026 Conference of the Left and its effort to rebuild working-class power through a common programme of action. It argues that political freedom achieved in 1994 remains incomplete without economic transformation and highlights persistent inequalities, unemployment and concentrated ownership. The conference emphasised land reform, industrial development, gender justice, climate justice and international solidarity, while establishing a Council of the Left to strengthen coordination among progressive forces. The article presents the gathering as an attempt to move beyond declarations and advance the unfinished struggle for economic emancipation in South Africa.
INTERNET CENSORSHIP
Soft Digital Repression: New Challenges and Strategies for Resistance
by Rezgar Akrawi
Soft digital repression increasingly shapes online political discourse through algorithms, surveillance, content moderation, and unequal visibility. In this article, Rezgar Akrawi examines how activists, journalists, and progressive movements have experienced account restrictions, reduced reach, and forms of self-censorship across different contexts. He argues that these developments are linked to the concentration of power within digital platforms and the growing role of artificial intelligence. The article explores proposals for democratic oversight, stronger privacy protections, open-source technologies, and international networks of solidarity aimed at defending freedom of expression and expanding public control over digital infrastructures.
ARISTOTLE
Aristotle and the Search for Justice Beyond Equality
by Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh revisits Aristotle’s ideas on justice to examine contemporary debates over equality, fairness, reservations, welfare, and public policy in India. The article explains the distinction between distributive and corrective justice and argues that equal treatment does not always produce fair outcomes. It also highlights Aristotle’s emphasis on character, education, and civic responsibility as foundations of a just society. While acknowledging the limitations of Aristotle’s worldview, the article considers the continuing relevance of his insights for democratic societies seeking to balance rights, responsibilities, and the common good.
POETRY
“The Clod and the Pebble”: William Blake’s Dual Perspectives on Love
by Zeenat Khan
Zeenat Khan’s article explores William Blake’s poem “The Clod and the Pebble” and its contrasting visions of love. Drawing on Blake’s concept of innocence and experience, the essay examines how the poem presents selfless and self-seeking forms of love through the voices of a clod of clay and a pebble. It discusses the poem’s structure, symbolism, and philosophical dimensions while reflecting on questions of altruism, self-preservation, and emotional balance. The article highlights Blake’s refusal to impose a single conclusion, leaving readers to interpret the complexities and ambiguities of love for themselves.
INDIA
Khilafat and Gandhi: Re-examining Historical Responsibility
by Dr Suresh Khairnar
Dr. Suresh Khairnar revisits the history of the Khilafat movement and examines the roles played by Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, and other Congress leaders in supporting it. The article argues that support for the movement emerged from a broader political strategy aimed at strengthening Hindu-Muslim unity and expanding participation in the anti-colonial struggle. It also discusses how debates over the Khilafat, Partition, and Gandhi's legacy continue to shape contemporary political narratives. Drawing on historical events and personalities, the article calls for a fuller understanding of the context in which these decisions were made.
Why Has India Been Assessed as an Electoral Autocracy?
by SR Darapuri
This article by SR Darapuri examines why international democracy-monitoring organizations, particularly the V-Dem Institute, have classified India as an electoral autocracy. It outlines concerns relating to media freedom, restrictions on civil society, the treatment of dissent, institutional independence, and minority rights, while also presenting arguments from those who reject the label and point to India’s competitive elections, federal structure, and active judiciary. The article highlights the distinction between electoral processes and the broader democratic framework of rights, freedoms, institutional checks, and political pluralism that shape the health of a democracy.
BULLDOZER RAJ
Stop The Bulldozer Raj: Condemn the spree of evictions across Kolkata
by National Alliance of People’s Movements
The National Alliance of People’s Movements, through its All India Workers Forum and National Urban Struggles Forum, has condemned recent demolition drives affecting hawkers, vendors, small traders and slum dwellers in Kolkata. Referring to evictions at Sealdah, Howrah, Dum Dum and Jadavpur, the statement alleges violations of due process and calls for an immediate halt to coercive demolitions. It demands rehabilitation, consultation with affected communities, adherence to Supreme Court guidelines on demolitions, and an independent inquiry into the use of force during protests. The statement situates these developments within broader debates on urban development and constitutional rights.
Bulldozers at Midnight: The Jadavpur Eviction and the Resistance That Refused to Yield
by Samprikta Bose
Samprikta Bose examines the recent eviction drive around Jadavpur railway station and the resistance it generated among hawkers, students, Left activists, cultural figures, and local residents. The article documents the midnight demolition operation, allegations of excessive police force, legal challenges, and demands for rehabilitation before eviction. It situates the conflict within wider debates on urban development, informal livelihoods, and the rights of working people in West Bengal. The events at Jadavpur, the author argues, have become a significant flashpoint in ongoing struggles over land, housing, and democratic rights in the state.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Self-Censorship: A Rising Fear
by Ch Ehtisham Ul Haq
Ch Ehtisham Ul Haq examines the growing phenomenon of self-censorship in India and argues that legal delays, takedown actions, and expanding executive powers have created a climate of fear for critics, whistleblowers, and smaller content creators. The article discusses constitutional protections for free speech, recent controversies, provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the IT Rules, 2021, while highlighting concerns raised by courts. It calls for stronger judicial oversight, clearer legislation, and adherence to due process to safeguard freedom of expression and preserve democratic discourse.
MODI'S 12 YEAR RULE
12 Years of Modi: Examining the Failures, Controversies, and Public Concerns
by Mohd Ziyaullah Khan
Twelve years after Narendra Modi assumed office, debates over his record remain deeply contested. In this article, Mohd Ziyaullah Khan examines concerns raised by critics regarding inflation, unemployment, educational disruptions, communal tensions, income inequality, agrarian distress, women’s safety, environmental challenges, and questions of governance and institutional accountability. While supporters highlight infrastructure, welfare schemes, and India’s international standing, the article focuses on issues that continue to affect millions of citizens. It argues that a balanced assessment of both achievements and shortcomings is essential to understanding the legacy of the Modi years and the challenges facing India ahead.
STUDENT PROTESTS IN ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS
Students Lead Island-Wide Protests Against Higher Education Changes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
by Mohammed Kamran
Students across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have mounted sustained protests against changes in the affiliation and status of government colleges. Beginning at DBRAIT and later spreading to JNRM and other institutions, the movement has raised concerns over higher fees, delays in evaluations, the value of degrees, and the future of affordable public education. The protests have received support from civil society groups and prompted an island-wide bandh and negotiations with the administration. The article examines the origins of the movement, the students’ demands, and the broader debate over higher education in the islands.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The Political Economy of Physical Pain: Who Hurts, and Who Numbs It?
by Dr Ajazuddin Shaikh
Dr Ajazuddin Shaikh examines how physical pain, exhausting labor, and social inequality intersect to shape patterns of substance use among marginalized workers and migrant child laborers. Drawing on personal experience and field research in Ahmedabad, the article argues that addiction cannot be understood apart from the structures that distribute hardship and vulnerability. It highlights the roles of informal labor, debt bondage, regulatory failures, and economic interests that profit from suffering, while questioning approaches that focus solely on individual behavior. The article calls for policies centered on dignity, social protection, fair wages, and structural justice.
TRIBUTE
Bharathiraja and the Cinema of Social Justice
by Pon Chandran
Pon Chandran pays tribute to Bharathiraja, the pioneering filmmaker who transformed Tamil cinema by bringing the realities of rural life to the screen. The article examines how classics such as 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Mudhal Mariyadhai, Vedham Puthithu, and Karuththamma addressed issues of caste, gender, inequality, and human dignity. It highlights Bharathiraja’s collaborations with Ilaiyaraaja and his role in shaping generations of actors and filmmakers. More than a memoir, the piece reflects on the enduring legacy of a director whose cinema combined artistic excellence with a commitment to social justice.
Bharathiraja: A Human Rights Visionary
by S Mohan
This article by S. Mohan examines the films of Bharathiraja through the lens of human rights and social justice. It argues that his cinema consistently addressed issues such as caste discrimination, gender inequality, freedom of choice, and human dignity while transforming the visual language of Tamil cinema. Drawing on films including Vedham Pudhithu, Karuthamma, Alaigal Oivathillai, and Anthimanthaarai, the article highlights Bharathiraja’s contribution to bringing marginalized experiences and rural realities to the screen. It presents his work as an important cultural intervention that linked cinema with questions of equality and justice.
AI AND EDUCATION
Indian universities are asking PhD students the wrong question about AI
by Disha
This article by Disha examines how Indian universities are responding to artificial intelligence in doctoral education. It argues that the current emphasis on detecting AI use overlooks a more fundamental question about the purpose of a PhD and the meaning of responsible scholarship. Highlighting inconsistencies between disciplines and concerns about the reliability of AI detection tools, the article calls for greater transparency, discipline-specific guidance and ethical engagement with emerging technologies. It contends that humanities and social science scholars should be equipped to use AI thoughtfully rather than being constrained by outdated assumptions about academic work and intellectual integrity.
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