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Podcast Episode

A Short History of COINTELPRO with Alex Zambito (& the Agent Provocateur Cocktail)

Cocktails & Capitalism·Cocktails & Capitalism·21 July 2026·1h 11m

About this episode

In this episode, Alex Zambito tells the twisted story of the FBI’s efforts to infiltrate and dismantle leftist movements in America. COINTELPRO campaigns began in the 50s, targeting communists, anti-war activists, and black leaders of the civil rights movement.  Alex Zambito is on the editorial board for Midwestern Marx – a website and journal offering Marxist analysis of politics and history. He is currently pursuing his masters in history. His work focuses on anti-communist repression campaigns in western “democracies” and the history of proletarian struggles around the globe. Check out his article about COINTELPRO here:  The FBI’s War on the Left: A Short History of COINTELPRO Follow Alex on Twitter! @SouthernMarxist Check out the Midwestern Marx website and journal at midwesternmarx.com Follow them on TikTok @midwesternmarx1917 IG: @midwesternmarx COCKTAIL PAIRING: Agent Provocateur45 ml Rum-Bar Gold Jamaican Rum20mlStrawberry Syrup22mlLime Juice 2dashes Aromatic BittersSmall pinch of salt  Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice cubes. Fine strain into a coupe and garnish with a strawberry slice.  Strawberry SyrupYields 475ml:450g Strawberries, small dice450g Sugar, granulated whiteToss strawberries in sugar until strawberries are well coated. Let sit covered for at least three hours (ideally 5-6 hours) at room temperature while stirring occasionally to help dissolve sugar taking care to not mash strawberries. Once sugar is fully dissolved, fine strain the strawberries out, bottle, and label. Strawberry Syrup must be refrigerated and is good for up to two weeks with its optimal flavor good for one weekSupport the showCocktails & Capitalism is an anticapitalist labor of love, but we could use your help to make this project sustainable. If you can support with even a dollar a month, that would really help us continue to educate, agitate, and amplify the voices of those who are working to dismantle capitalism and create a better world.https://www.patreon.com/cocktailsandcapitalism Follow us on Instagram and Twitter Some episodes on YouTube. Subscribe & enjoy! Cheers!