Zohran Mamdani’s Historic Win: 16 Takeaways
Leftists and progressives throughout the country have much to learn from how democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani pulled off an unprecedented upset last night.
19440 Articles by: Opal Lee
Opal Lee is a writer.
At a Bleak Political Moment, Zohran Mamdani Offers Hope
Zohran Mamdani’s victory last night was a straightforward triumph of people over money, the kind that capitalist elites try so hard to convince us is impossible.
In Zohran Mamdani’s Win, Socialism Beat the Status Quo
There is a hunger for bold, transformative politics in the United States right now. Zohran Mamdani shows how the Left can run on a principled, disciplined message that speaks to voters’ lived concerns — and win.
The US Started Both the Old and New Cold Wars
In an interview with Jacobin, Vivek Chibber discusses why the US desire for global dominance was responsible for the Cold War — and why the United States is inflaming new rivalries with Russia and China today.
Mahmoud Khalil’s Legal Battle Is Far From Over
After 104 days in ICE detention, Mahmoud Khalil was released on a judge’s order last weekend. But the Trump administration remains committed to deporting him.
Robert Kaplan Expresses the Nihilism of Our Ruling Class
Robert Kaplan’s latest book on big geopolitical questions reflects a shift away from high-minded ideals in US establishment thought. But instead of self-critical pragmatism, what he offers as a substitute is a misanthropic, antidemocratic worldview.
Trump Has a Thin Cultural Vision of the Future
On art and culture, Donald Trump and the movement behind him are offering a highly circumscribed vision of the future in comparison to far-right movements of the past.
Clinton’s Endorsement of Cuomo Is Grotesque but Predictable
Bill Clinton’s last-minute endorsement of Andrew Cuomo in New York City’s mayoral race is all too fitting: both men represent the corporate Democratic establishment, opposed by socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, that has abandoned the working class.
Greens for Tanks
Many of Europe’s Green parties have pacifist roots — but now support hurried rearmament. The plan to boost defense spending to 5 percent of GDP is turning Europe away from green investment and plowing cash into the vastly polluting arms industry.
The Permanent War Economy Doesn’t Benefit Workers
Advocates of “military Keynesianism” present it as a boon for the working class. In reality, it diverts resources away from social provision while building up a military-industrial complex with a vested interest in aggressive wars that never cease.
The Radical Midwest of Bill Sentner
St Louis organizer Bill Sentner led some of the most successful labor battles in Midwestern history by uniting workers across race and gender lines. He won a string of major victories against corporate giants — before McCarthyism put a target on his back.
Regime Change in Iran Will Not End Well
In the long run, the United States will pay for Donald Trump’s hubris in attacking Iran.
Zohran Mamdani vs. New York Landlords
The real estate industry is pouring millions into Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign in an effort to stop the robust pro-tenant candidacy of Zohran Mamdani.
The Failson and the Flag
Reza Pahlavi is son of the last shah — and he often echoes Israeli talking points condemning “appeasement” of Iran. It’s earned him admiration from US neocons, but such belligerent talk is a deadly danger to ordinary Iranians.
Zohran Mamdani Is Proposing Green Abundance for the Many
The New York City mayoral campaign of Zohran Mamdani is focused on lowering the cost of living. It can serve as a blueprint for progressives seeking to embed climate action in real improvements for working peoples’ everyday lives.
Trump’s Iran War Is a Betrayal We All Saw Coming
It took less than half a year for Donald Trump to renege on the promises he incessantly made on the campaign trail and plunge the country into another dumb, potentially bloody Middle East war no one wants.
In Panama, Authorities Are Cracking Down on Mass Strikes
In a country with little left-wing politics, Panama’s nearly two-month-long strike movement has shown the power of organized labor. The government has responded with repression, acting as a rearguard for multinationals like Chiquita.
Democratize AI or Make the AI Oligarchy an Inevitability
Artificial intelligence technologies are leading us to a critical juncture, forcing a fundamental rethinking of both work and the welfare state. This is a field where early surrender, allowing capital to shape the future, is not an option.
Emmanuel Macron’s Bid to Divide the Left Is Paying Off
One year since the New Popular Front won a surprise election victory, France’s left looks more divided than ever. This month’s Socialist congress showed how much the party is at loggerheads with Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Insoumise.
Zohran Mamdani Should Call for an Exit Tax on NYC’s Rich
A small but obscenely wealthy faction of New Yorkers are threatening to leave the city if Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist candidate for mayor, wins the race. Mamdani should respond by calling for an exit tax on the rich.