The form of capitalism we currently live under is one in which wealth extraction depends not on market power but on political maneuvering.
American Communists Did a Lot Right and a Lot Wrong
Members of the Communist Party USA in its heyday were much more complicated than the stereotypes of them, shaped so strongly by rabid anti-communism, in our country’s imagination. Today’s socialists should closely examine their track record.
Emmanuel Macron Has Boosted France’s Corporate Welfare State
French capitalism has been underperforming for decades, but its companies still expect to receive generous state support without giving much in return. Emmanuel Macron has carried this policy of corporate welfare to new heights.
In Turkey, Criticizing a Corporation Can Land You in Jail
Turkish labor leader Mehmet Türkmen was jailed for spreading “disinformation” after he criticized a business where a worker lost both arms in an accident. It’s part of a wider crackdown designed to suppress trade unions that speak up for workers.
Capitalism Won’t Collapse on Its Own
Capitalism’s recurring crises have long fueled predictions of its inevitable demise. Vivek Chibber explains why breakdown isn’t guaranteed — and why political agency, not historical laws, will determine whether we get socialism or barbarism.
Socialism cannot mean merely managing capitalism more fairly. It must point toward a society where survival is no longer contingent on the market — and where democracy extends into the economy itself.
A New Single-Payer Effort Is Underway in Georgia
With Bernie Sanders no longer leading the charge, Medicare for All has slipped from the spotlight. But a new state-level single-payer bill in Georgia — where Republicans refused to expand Medicaid and 1.2 million people are uninsured — shows signs of life.
Russia’s War Machine Is Creaking
Russia’s war economy has this year suffered some of its worst setbacks since the invasion of Ukraine. An under-strain Russian society isn’t revolting yet. But Russians’ doubts about the war are growing.
The Trumpian "War on Fraud" Is a Trojan Horse for Austerity
The State Financial Officers Foundation claims to be a nonpartisan, neutral body representing the guardians of state finances. In truth, the corporate donor–dependent nonprofit pushes a right-wing austerity agenda under the guise of fighting fraud.
Can Britain’s Greens Become a Working-Class Party?
In Britain, left-populist Green leader Zack Polanski has emphasized cost-of-living issues. While his party has won over parts of the working class alienated by Labour, broadening this base remains an uphill challenge.
Neoliberalism didn’t win an intellectual argument — it won power. Vivek Chibber unpacks how employers and political elites in the 1970s and ’80s turned economic turmoil into an opportunity to reshape society on their terms.
Labor Can’t Remain Shackled to the Democrats
In much of the US, Democrats’ reputation is utterly toxic to working-class voters. Running independent candidates may be the way forward for labor and the Left in many regions — potentially planting the seeds of a new party.
Graham Platner Could Be the Bellwether of a New US Populism
Graham Platner has traversed a long and unlikely road to become the Democratic nominee for the US Senate in Maine. Can he beat longtime GOP incumbent Susan Collins and live up to the promise of his firebrand populist campaign?
New Jersey Immigrant Prisoners Are on Hunger Strike
Protests are exploding outside of a New Jersey immigrant detention center after detainees say they are being “treated like animals” and are engaged in a work stoppage and hunger strike.
Colombia’s Ban on Coal Exports to Israel Is in Danger
Colombia proved that a nation could ban energy shipments to Israel’s war machine. Fossil capital is trying to ensure that no other state dares to do the same.