Why Capitalism’s Origins Matter
A new book defends a Marxist theory of the origins of capitalism. Along the way it shows why understanding the transition from feudalism can help us make sense of the present.
Blog
Anyone Noting Israel’s Crimes Will Be Accused of “Blood Libel”
Genocide apologists have declared the New York Times’s Nicholas Kristof’s report on Israeli soldiers’ rape of Palestinians is “blood libel.” If that sounds familiar, it’s because they’ve said the same thing for three years about every Israeli war crime.
We Need to Move Beyond Robot Doomerism
“The robots are coming” need not be understood as heralding the apocalypse. An automated society in which states and worker-owned enterprises use technology to serve public ends while meeting individual needs is entirely consistent with the good life.
Scotland Has No Escape Route From Britain’s Political Crisis
The Scottish National Party won its 5th consecutive term in office last week. But the party’s tepid brand of centrism still looks worn out, and the only big advances came for Reform on the right and the Greens on the left.
Montreal’s Guillotine Gate Is a Tempest in a Teapot
The pearl-clutching hysterics from Quebec’s chattering classes over a labor group’s decapitation of a papier-mâché dummy reveal less about political violence than about ruling-class fragility.
Boys, Beasts, and a Bloated Lord of the Flies
Jack Thorne’s Netflix adaptation of Lord of the Flies drowns William Golding’s brutal clarity in arty excess, muddled psychology, and a strangely sentimental plea for sympathy for boys.
Americans: We’re Broke. Donald Trump: No, You’re Not.
Donald Trump and the Republicans are insisting the economy is great and unhappy Americans are deluded. Just like Democrats under Joe Biden, they’re lying to themselves and everyone else — and will eventually pay the price.
Nobody Wants Data Centers in Their Backyard
New polling shows that most Americans hate the prospect of data centers being built in their communities. The opposition is entirely predictable, not least because data centers seem to offer little benefit to people living near them.
Trump’s Deportations of Palestine Activist Students Aren't Over
After successfully challenging deportation orders in court last year, Palestinian student activists Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi are facing renewed attacks from the Trump administration. Their persecution is meant to chill political speech broadly.
British Fascist Tommy Robinson Is Taking to the Streets Again
September’s Unite the Kingdom rally was the largest far-right demonstration in modern British history. This Saturday, fascist influencer Tommy Robinson will again lead a vile mob through London streets, protected by police.
Philly Wants to Send a Socialist to Congress
Philadelphia congressional candidate Chris Rabb is candid about his democratic socialist politics, saying, “Socialists need to expose the role of both parties in our crisis and point toward a future where the working class holds power.”
Gustavo Petro’s Last Push to Phase Out Fossil Fuels
Colombia hosted a global summit on phasing out fossil fuels last month. Gustavo Petro’s left-wing government is confronting powerful oil and mining interests, but making Western countries follow suit is not easy.