This week saw thousands of anti-G20 protesters in Seoul, where world leaders met to talk business, and of course Wednesday's demonstration in London against increases in tuition fees, widely seen as marking "just the beginning" of a wave of student protest. With turnout estimated at over 50,000 people and Tory HQ stormed (go students!), this has been the largest show of public anger in response to the Coalition's austerity measures so far, following occupations across the country including at Deptford Town Hall by Goldsmiths students and Manchester University buildings. Proposals have now been announced for a national day of anti-cuts protest on 24 November.
The Verso Book of Dissent: From Spartacus to the Shoe-Thrower of Baghdad aims to inspire an appropriated 'Yes we can' response to Tariq Ali's question "Why can't we protest against cuts like the French?" Five copies are available to win for the first correct responses to these very easy questions:
1. What is the name and profession of the Shoe-Thrower of Baghdad?
2. Which voice of dissent included in the book is the latest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize?
3. What is being protested against by the #IAmSpartacus Twitter hashtag?
Competition details:
Entrants must email their answers to enquiries@verso.co.uk with the address to which the book should be sent. The competition is only open to those in the UK.
During his trip to New York, Žižek spoke to Riz Khan for Al Jazeera English on his new book, Living in the End Times, and the state of capitalism today.
In the wake of the results of the mid-term elections, Ali discussed the future of the American empire and his new book The Obama Syndrome: Surrender at Home, War Abroad with Marwan Bishara, senior political analyst for Al Jazeera.
Listen to Dan Hind discuss The Return of the Public and the crisis in media on "Thinking Allowed" with host Laurie Taylor on BBC Radio 4.
The New York Observer's Christian Lorentzen reported on Žižek's Cooper Union event on Monday, and came away with some quotes:
A long line of fans formed around the stage at Cooper Union to have Slavoj Žižek sign books. They rattled off their names for the philosopher's dedication.
"Ian," said one.
"Like the writer," said Mr. Žižek, "McEwan."
"Kelvin," said another.
"Like the stupid temperature."
Visit the New York Observer to read interview in full.