Scarsdale Is What We Thought It Was
Jamaal Bowman’s defeat is another reminder that left-wing politics cannot live or die in the rich suburbs.
20401 Article(s) by: Alex Press
AIPAC’s Defeat of Jamaal Bowman Disguises Its Weakness
Lost in the triumphalism over Jamaal Bowman’s loss is that AIPAC has had to drastically narrow its ambitions, targeting those critics of Israel who are already most vulnerable to electoral defeat in order to inflate its strength.
A Charter School Network in Los Angeles Goes Union
Earlier this month, teachers at all six Citizens of the World charter schools in Los Angeles voted overwhelmingly to unionize with United Teachers Los Angeles. Jacobin spoke to two teachers about the organizing drive.
American Suburbs Are Decaying
Working-class people of color have mostly been latecomers to suburbia. But by the time they get there, they often find the suburbs in a state of disrepair. A new book explores the boom-and-bust economic cycle that’s obscured by the gauzy suburban dream.
How Morena Turned Anti-Corruption Politics Into Class Politics
Anti-corruption politics was key to the landslide victory of AMLO’s Morena party in Mexico. Morena branded neoliberalism a form of upward redistribution, rallying the working class under the banner of republican austerity against the excesses of the rich.
France’s New Popular Front Can Stop the Far Right
In France, the left-wing parties have allied in a Nouveau Front Populaire, challenging both Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen. France Insoumise MP Clémence Guetté told Jacobin about its potential path to victory.
India’s Farmers’ Movement Helped Thwart Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi’s plan to win an electoral supermajority ended in failure this month. A communist leader of India’s farmers’ movement explains how their struggle contributed to Modi’s biggest setback since taking power.
Jiu Jitsu Fighters Are Grappling With Exploitation
Professional fighters are rarely paid for participating in competitions, and the average income of athletes working with promoters like the UFC is only $45,000. Now Jiu Jitsu fighters are pushing back against low pay, giving the industry a wake-up call.
School Smartphone Bans Are Picking Up Steam
There is increasing evidence that smartphones and social media use have a destructive impact on the mental health of young people. Big Tech may not like it, but more and more schools around the world are instituting bans on phones in the classroom.
Boeing Has Allies in the Biden Justice Department
Boeing is facing scrutiny from the Justice Department that could lead to criminal charges. But a department official involved in the case formerly consulted on behalf of the company — just one among many such officials with close corporate connections.
In Defense of the Frankfurt School
The Frankfurt School, a group of theorists who grappled with the defeat of Europe’s revolutionary left, are often misunderstood. Critics charge them with obscurantism and elitism. They argued that, on the contrary, it was capitalism that obfuscated reality.
Why Venezuela’s Coup Plotters Came Up Short
In 2019, a coalition of conservative forces responded to Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian turn and Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis by launching a coup. Despite backing from the US and Venezuelan capital, the conspirators failed. A new book explains why.
Israel Is Bombing “Safe Zones” for Refugees in Gaza
On Friday, Israel bombed areas in Gaza that it had designated as “safe zones” for refugees. It was the beginning of a weekend of wanton killings of Palestinian civilians — enabled by the US’s continued supply of weapons to Israel.
Sarahana Shrestha Faces Down a Centrist Counteroffensive
Hudson Valley socialist Sarahana Shrestha’s strong record of opposing real estate interests was always going to invite corporate opposition. But now she faces a multiplication factor: her stance on the war in Gaza has drawn the ire of the pro-Israel lobby.
The Israel Lobby vs a Pro-Palestine Socialist in Brooklyn
In a Brooklyn state house race, pro-Palestine socialist Eon Huntley is challenging incumbent Stefani Zinerman. Zinerman is receiving funding from a pro-Israel PAC as well as rich donors like the Walmart heir — money that she is calling “reparations.”
Meet Your New Robot Boss
Many have long worried that AI and robots will replace workers. But less attention has been paid to the increasing use of algorithmic systems to manage workers — creating ever more authoritarian and exploitative workplaces.
Germany’s Far Right Is at War With Itself
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland came second in the European elections but fell short of expectations. Now its leadership is riven by conflicts both internal to the party and among the broader European far-right milieu.
The Big-Money Scheme Behind Labour Together
Since running Keir Starmer’s leadership campaign, the think tank Labour Together has raised massive amounts of money from businessmen who aim to shape the Labour Party’s leadership and policies to benefit the megarich.
The Dead End of “Anti-Racist Discrimination”
What a failed racial equity program tells us about the pitfalls of race targeting.
We Can Have Cop City, or We Can Have Democracy
Atlanta’s Democratic leadership is trying to build a massive police urban-warfare training facility before the public can stop it. The outcome will set a precedent for the political future, with implications well beyond the city itself.