Navigating Discontent in the Age of the Internet
We live in an era of increasing tribalism and self-righteousness, made more toxic by social media. Philosopher Mark Kingwell argues that the Left can forge a healthier political culture.
18460 Articles by: Ryan Switzer
Ryan Switzer is a PhD candidate in sociology at Stockholm University. He researches right-wing politics in welfare states.
As AG, Pam Bondi Could Let Elon Musk Off the Hook for Fraud
Donald Trump’s attorney general pick, Pam Bondi, is reportedly the sister of the lawyer who defended Elon Musk and Tesla against federal securities fraud charges. If confirmed, Bondi would be in a position to shut down the ongoing investigation into Musk.
It’s Time to End the War in Ukraine
Ukraine’s military position is worsening, and there are signs of fatigue on the home front. A tit-for-tat escalation between Washington and Moscow would be disastrous for Ukrainians and for us all.
Dealignment: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
All of a sudden, mainstream politicians and pundits are talking about class dealignment in American elections. We at Jacobin have published on dealignment for years — and wrote a short guide about why it’s such a pressing political issue.
The EU Cynically Pushes Lithium Mining in Serbia
The European Union loves boasting about its green agenda. But its plans rely on electric vehicles — and a push for lithium mining in Serbia, which would outsource the environmental costs of the green transition to a non-EU country.
The Queensland Election Points to Challenges for the Left
Despite favorable polls, the Queensland Greens suffered a setback in the recent state election. The results point to structural barriers that left-wing minor parties will need to overcome in order to challenge two-party rule.
Trump Wants an Airline Lobbyist to Be Transportation Chief
Donald Trump’s pick to head the Department of Transportation, Sean Duffy, is a former airline industry lobbyist who has voted to make it harder to impose safety regulations on airlines. The industry is already celebrating his nomination.
Brazil’s Far-Right Nightmare Haunts the G20 Summit
Donald Trump’s reelection and the specter of Jair Bolsonaro’s return loom over the G20 summit in Brazil. But despite the country’s struggles, Lula da Silva’s leadership provides a playbook for battling the far right.
Understanding the Immigrant Swing Toward Trump
Liberal pundits have puzzled over increasing support for Trump by immigrants and people of color. To understand the trend, we should look to economic issues and the way institutions like unions and churches affect political socialization.
The Age of Class Dealignment
Over the course of decades, social democracy abandoned workers. Then workers abandoned social democracy.
Finland’s Government Is Robin Hood in Reverse
In Finland, a coalition of conservative and far-right parties is slashing social spending and squashing unions. It’s an authoritarian brand of neoliberalism that is undoing welfare while giving tax cuts to high earners.
China’s Minor Literature
British literary magazine Granta has focused its latest issue on China during a time of growing geopolitical tensions. It introduces a contemporary Chinese literature written in the minor key by writers driven by political ennui.
Liberal Dominance of Cultural Institutions Hurt the Left
A new book, Polarized by Degrees, argues that college-educated voters have come to dominate the Democratic Party and cultural institutions while Americans without a college degree feel increasingly alienated by the party’s technocratic worldview.
Crypto Won Big in the 2024 Election
After pouring unprecedented amounts of money into races across the ballot this election season, the cryptocurrency industry will now have the most political influence it has ever had.
Anora: A Refreshingly Class-Conscious Indie Film
In keeping with the harsh realities of working-class life in America, filmmaker Sean Baker doesn’t deal in facile happy endings — not in his latest, Anora, nor in his other recent films. Living to fight another day is triumph enough.
On Democrats and Class, the Writing Was on the Wall
Two writers, Thomas Frank and Joan Williams, provided sharp insight into the Democrats’ hemorrhaging of working-class voters eight years ago. The Democratic Party ignored their perspectives. We asked them to explain how we ended up here — again.
Elon Musk’s DOGE Is Dumb. It Could Also Do Serious Damage.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is equal parts asinine and dystopian. We can only hope that, by virtue of how insufferable all involved are, DOGE’s relationship with the Trump administration flames out spectacularly.
The “Fascist” With a Popular Majority
Donald Trump’s victory at the polls will inevitably reopen the “fascism debate.” But does a populist whose appeal cuts across diverse groups truly fit the fascist profile?
For FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino, Football Is Just a Cash Cow
FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s remodeling of the Club World Cup marks a new low in placing financial demands over basic sporting integrity. Football has long been ruled by money — but under Infantino’s lead, FIFA just makes up the rules as it goes along.
Democrats’ Antitrust Push Has Been Mostly Rhetorical
The Biden administration’s more aggressive approach to antitrust has been much discussed by proponents and critics alike. Yet the administration’s regulatory moves have really been small-bore tweaks around the edges, with little impact felt by voters.