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The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile: A Candid Interview with Arundhati Roy (2004)

The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile: A Candid Interview with Arundhati Roy (2004)

In 2004, Arundhati Roy, the Indian author and political activist, sat down for an interview with David Barsamian to discuss her views on globalization, war, and activism. The interview, titled “The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile,” offers a candid insight into Roy’s perspective on the world and her role in it.

The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile: A Candid Interview with Arundhati Roy (2004)

In 2004, Arundhati Roy sat down for a candid interview with David Barsamian, discussing her views on globalization, war, and the role of the writer in society. The interview, titled “The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile,” delved into Roy’s critiques of the United States’ foreign policy and the impact of neoliberalism on developing countries.

Roy, a renowned Indian author and activist, argued that the United States’ pursuit of global dominance through military force and economic coercion was a threat to democracy and human rights. She criticized the Bush administration’s invasion of Iraq and its use of “shock and awe” tactics, which she saw as a form of state terrorism.

At the same time, Roy also spoke out against the negative effects of neoliberal economic policies, which she believed were exacerbating poverty and inequality in India and other developing countries. She argued that multinational corporations and international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were imposing a “one-size-fits-all” model of development that ignored local needs and cultures.

Throughout the interview, Roy emphasized the importance of writers and intellectuals in challenging dominant narratives and speaking truth to power. She saw her own role as a writer as one of resistance and dissent, using her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and challenge the status quo.

“The Checkbook and the Cruise Missile” remains a powerful and relevant critique of US foreign policy and neoliberalism, and a testament to the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Background and Early Life

Arundhati Roy was born on November 24, 1961, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. Her mother, Mary Roy, was a social activist and founder of the Corpus Christi Movement for Education, which fought for the rights of women and children in Kerala. Her father, Rajib Roy, was a Bengali Hindu tea planter.

Roy spent her childhood in Kerala, where she attended school at the Corpus Christi convent. She later studied architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, but dropped out before completing her degree.

In the early 1980s, Roy moved to Delhi and began working as a freelance journalist and scriptwriter for television. She also became involved in political activism, particularly in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, a movement against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River.

Roy’s first novel, “The God of Small Things,” was published in 1997 and won the Booker Prize. The novel, which explores themes of love, caste, and politics in Kerala, was a critical and commercial success.

Since then, Roy has continued to write and speak out on a variety of social and political issues, including environmentalism, globalization, and the Kashmir conflict. She has also faced criticism and controversy for her outspoken views and activism.

Writing Career and Activism

Arundhati Roy is not only a celebrated writer but also a vocal activist. Her writing career and activism are intertwined, as she uses her platform to shed light on social and political issues. In her interview with David Barsamian, Roy discusses how her activism has influenced her writing and vice versa. She explains that her writing is a form of activism, as it allows her to express her views and bring attention to important issues. Roy’s activism has also led to her being arrested and facing legal action, but she remains steadfast in her beliefs and continues to use her voice to fight for justice.

Views on Globalization and Neoliberalism

Arundhati Roy is a vocal critic of globalization and neoliberalism, which she sees as a form of economic imperialism that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor. In her view, the free market ideology that underpins these systems is a myth that serves to justify the exploitation of workers and the destruction of the environment. She argues that the real beneficiaries of globalization are multinational corporations and the governments that support them, rather than the people who are supposed to benefit from increased trade and investment. Roy also believes that neoliberal policies have contributed to the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democracy around the world. Despite these criticisms, she remains hopeful that a more just and equitable world is possible, and that people can come together to resist the forces of globalization and neoliberalism.

Controversies and Criticisms

One of the most controversial aspects of Arundhati Roy’s activism is her stance on the Kashmir conflict. Roy has been criticized for her support of Kashmiri independence and her condemnation of the Indian government’s actions in the region. Some have accused her of being anti-Indian and promoting separatism.

Additionally, Roy’s criticism of capitalism and globalization has also drawn criticism. Some argue that her views are too extreme and unrealistic, and that capitalism has brought about significant economic growth and development.

Despite these controversies and criticisms, Roy remains a prominent voice in the global activist community. Her outspokenness and willingness to challenge the status quo have inspired many to question the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

Relationship with India and Indian Politics

Arundhati Roy’s relationship with India and Indian politics is complex and multifaceted. As a writer and activist, she has been a vocal critic of the Indian government’s policies on a range of issues, including Kashmir, the Narmada dam project, and the treatment of Dalits and other marginalized communities. She has also been a strong advocate for the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in India.

Despite her criticisms of the Indian government, Roy remains deeply connected to her homeland and its people. In her writing, she often draws on Indian mythology and history to explore contemporary issues, and she has spoken out against the rise of Hindu nationalism and the erosion of secularism in India.

Roy’s political views have made her a controversial figure in India, and she has faced criticism and even legal action for her activism. However, she remains committed to speaking out against injustice and advocating for a more equitable and just society in India and beyond.

Impact of Her Work on Society and Politics

Arundhati Roy’s work has had a significant impact on society and politics. Her writing has been a powerful tool for exposing the injustices and inequalities that exist in India and around the world. Through her books, essays, and speeches, she has challenged the status quo and given voice to marginalized communities.

One of the most notable examples of Roy’s impact on society and politics is her activism against the construction of the Narmada Dam in India. She has been a vocal critic of the project, which would displace thousands of people and destroy the environment. Her advocacy has helped to raise awareness about the issue and put pressure on the Indian government to reconsider the project.

Roy’s work has also had an impact on global politics. She has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. Her book, “The God of Small Things,” was banned in Israel for its criticism of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Roy has also been a strong advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples and has spoken out against the exploitation of natural resources by multinational corporations.

Overall, Arundhati Roy’s work has had a profound impact on society and politics. Her writing has inspired countless people to take action and fight for justice and equality. She has shown that one person can make a difference and that speaking truth to power can bring about real change.

Environmentalism and Climate Change

Arundhati Roy is not only a renowned author and activist, but also a vocal advocate for environmentalism and action on climate change. In her interview with David Barsamian in 2004, she spoke passionately about the urgent need for individuals and governments to take responsibility for the impact of human activity on the planet.

Roy emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental issues with social and economic inequality, stating that “the people who are most affected by environmental degradation are the poorest people in the world.” She criticized the prioritization of economic growth over environmental protection, arguing that “we need to start thinking about growth in a different way, not just in terms of GDP, but in terms of well-being, in terms of sustainability.”

Roy also highlighted the role of corporations and governments in perpetuating environmental destruction, calling for greater accountability and regulation. She urged individuals to take action in their own lives, such as reducing consumption and supporting sustainable practices.

Overall, Roy’s interview underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation, and the need for collective action to create a more sustainable future.

Women’s Rights and Feminism

Arundhati Roy is a well-known feminist and activist who has been vocal about women’s rights and the need for gender equality. In her interview, she discusses the intersection of feminism and politics, and how women’s issues are often overlooked in the larger political discourse. She argues that the fight for women’s rights is not just about individual empowerment, but also about challenging the systemic oppression that women face in society. Roy also highlights the importance of solidarity among women, and the need for women to support each other in their struggles for equality. Overall, her insights offer a powerful perspective on the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the role of feminism in creating a more just and equitable world.

Anti-War and Anti-Imperialism Stances

Arundhati Roy is known for her strong anti-war and anti-imperialism stances. In her interview with David Barsamian, she discusses the negative impact of war and imperialism on both the countries directly involved and the global community as a whole. She argues that war is often used as a tool for powerful nations to assert their dominance and control over weaker nations, and that this ultimately leads to more violence and instability. Roy also criticizes the role of the media in promoting war and imperialism, arguing that they often present a biased and one-sided view of conflicts. Overall, Roy’s anti-war and anti-imperialism stances reflect her commitment to promoting peace and justice in the world.

The Future of Social Justice Movements

As social justice movements continue to gain momentum around the world, the future of these movements remains uncertain. Arundhati Roy, a prominent activist and writer, believes that the key to the success of these movements lies in their ability to unite and work towards a common goal. In her 2004 interview with David Barsamian, Roy emphasized the importance of solidarity and collaboration among different movements, stating that “we need to understand that our struggles are interconnected.”

Roy also highlighted the need for these movements to address the root causes of social injustice, rather than simply treating the symptoms. She argued that the current global economic system, which prioritizes profit over people and the environment, is at the heart of many of the world’s problems. To truly achieve social justice, Roy believes that we must challenge and transform this system.

Despite the challenges ahead, Roy remains optimistic about the future of social justice movements. She sees hope in the growing awareness and mobilization of people around the world, particularly among young people. As she stated in the interview, “I think the future is going to be very exciting. I think we’re going to see a lot of changes.”

Overall, Roy’s insights offer valuable guidance for those working towards social justice. By prioritizing solidarity, addressing root causes, and remaining optimistic, we can continue to build a more just and equitable world.