Chris Jeffries and Mike from Turn Leftist discuss how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Western banks have debt-trapped Kenya, leading to widespread protests. The IMF’s austerity measures, privatization, and deregulation policies have disproportionately affected the poorest segments of society, causing significant economic hardship and social unrest. Jeffries challenges the common perception that China is the only country engaging in debt trap diplomacy in Africa and defends African leaders who resist Western colonialism. The speaker also discusses the contentious relationship between the IMF and countries like Argentina, Ukraine, and Kenya, and the economic hardships and social unrest caused by the IMF’s austerity measures. Jeffries argues that in countries where right-wing ideologies and gun ownership are prevalent, there is a higher likelihood of fascist forces prevailing, and expresses skepticism towards international development initiatives backed by the IMF. Mike also critiques the historical involvement of Western powers in conflicts around the world, arguing that their interventions were not always driven by humanitarian concerns or defensive measures.
