The Oceans That Keep Capitalism Afloat
From maritime empires to modern logistics, capitalism has been forged on the seas.
19577 Articles by: Elizabeth Mahony
Union Nurses in Massachusetts Are Waging the Longest Current Strike in the US
The longest active picket line in the US is in Worcester, Massachusetts, where over 700 union nurses are entering their third month on strike. Their chief demand: safe staffing for patients.
How a Socialist City Councilor Won 100% Affordable Housing in a Gentrifying Chicago Neighborhood
In Chicago’s Logan Square, gentrification has run amok. That didn’t stop socialist city councilor Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and community groups from demanding and winning 100 percent affordable housing in the community’s heart near public transit. Here’s how they did it.
Rich Democratic Lawmakers Stand to Benefit From the SALT Tax Cuts
The benefits of repealing the SALT cap would flow mostly to the wealthy. That includes House Democrats like Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Jamie Raskin, who are pushing the tax cuts and would save a bundle if they pass.
Justin Trudeau’s Government Won’t Allow the Pandemic to Ease Worker Exploitation
The COVID-19 support programs introduced by Canada’s Liberal government might seem like a break with neoliberal austerity. But while the pandemic still rages, the Liberals are putting profits above public health by trying to drive workers back into low-wage jobs before it’s safe.
It’s Obvious — Israel Is an Apartheid State
There are no “clashes” occurring in Jerusalem between Israelis and Palestinians. What we’re seeing is the brutal reality of an occupying power exercising its military might over a people stripped of their human rights.
How the Myths of “Progressive Neoliberalism” Hollowed Out Australia’s Left
Neoliberalism now dominates Australia’s formerly left-wing institutions, marginalizing working-class and socialist politics. Yet the center-left “progressive neoliberal” consensus shambles on, a corpse in search of a decent grave.
The US’s Failure in Afghanistan Shows the Hubris of American Empire
Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan signals the US has lost the longest war in its history. And even if the warmongers don’t want to admit it, that failure shows the US can’t just bend the world to its will.
The Debate Over Service Work and Unemployment Benefits Shows Why Marxism Is Right
More than any Marxist text ever could, the COVID-19 emergency cash relief programs — and the furious reaction to them from employers — lay bare the raw truth about capitalism: bosses’ profits depend directly on workers’ remaining terrified of destitution.
Everything in America Is Set Up to Undermine Working-Class Organizing
Everyone knows it’s extremely difficult to organize a union in the US. Two often-overlooked reasons why: media consolidation and a dearth of public spaces where workers can come together, socialize, and organize.
Why the Green New Deal Has Failed — So Far
The Green New Deal program has enormous potential to generate mass popular support. But absent real leverage from labor, it’s likely to be continually watered down into a toothless slogan for NGOs.
Scottish Independence Will Dominate British Politics for Years
On Thursday, pro-independence parties won a majority in the Scottish Parliament. But Boris Johnson has insisted he’ll deny any fresh vote on independence. Whether we like it or not, socialists cannot afford to turn away from the national question.
To Protect Australian Workers’ Retirement Savings, We Must Democratize Pensions
The Australian right has long dreamed of fully privatizing workers’ pensions. Now that one of the world’s largest investment firms is moving into Australia’s superannuation market, their dream may be realized. To protect workers’ retirement, we need to democratize super funds.
The Soviets Who Wanted Fashion for All
In the years after the revolution, Russian designers rethought style. Among them was Varvara Stepanova, who aimed to take fashion out of the realm of luxury and make it accessible to all.
COVAX Protects the Vaccine Apartheid Status Quo
The COVID-19 Global Access (COVAX) initiative is being touted as a key step toward vaccine equality. But many of COVAX’s donors and architects are deeply enmeshed in the global intellectual property regime at the heart of vaccine apartheid.
No, Poor People Don’t Like Fox News
Polling shows that poor people have no real news preference among MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN. That’s because cable news, just like mainstream politics as a whole, hasn’t offered them an alternative for decades.
Chipotle Is a Criminal Enterprise Built on Exploitation
Chipotle’s contempt for the lives of its workers is appalling, even by fast-food standards. But there’s finally some good news: New York City is suing the fast-casual chain for nearly half a billion dollars, for 600,000 separate violations of workers’ rights.
Mother’s Day Has Deeply Radical Roots
Yes, you should absolutely call your mom today. But you should also know that Mother’s Day isn’t just a holiday for greeting card and chocolate companies to make a buck, but of radical antiwar and feminist organizers.
Leone Ginzburg, a Forgotten Intellectual in the Fight Against Fascism
Born to a Jewish family in the Russian Empire in 1909, the brilliant intellectual Leone Ginzburg was deeply shaped by the October Revolution and the class struggles in postwar Turin. His short life, ending in an Italian jail in 1944, was devoted to the struggle against fascism and for socialism.
There’s No Excuse for Joe Biden Not to Make Immigration Policy More Humane
As president, Joe Biden hasn’t done nearly as much as he could to help immigrants — and there’s plenty that he can do even without congressional approval.