The Macron Phenomenon
Emmanuel Macron’s strong polling in the French election signals a political realignment destined to consolidate elite control.
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“Our Own Brand of Socialism”: An Interview with Gabriel García Márquez
Gabriel García Márquez on Fidel Castro, the Soviet Union, and creating “a government which would make the poor happy.”
Social Democracy Is Good. But Not Good Enough.
We need a socialism that goes beyond capitalism. And not just for moral reasons.
Making Corbynism a Reality
Jeremy Corbyn’s call for a break with neoliberalism has given hope to millions. But implementing his agenda will require more than good policies — Labour needs a mobilizing strategy to defeat resistance within the state machine and the City of London.
Daniel Guérin Showed Us What a Socialist Writer Should Be
French socialist thinker Daniel Guérin lived a life of extraordinary political commitment, from anti-fascist and anti-colonial struggles to his pioneering advocacy of gay liberation. Guérin’s writings and record should be a touchstone for the modern left.
A Soldier for Peace
The life of French General Jacques Pâris de Bollardière shows how the strongest voices against war and militarism can come from the military’s own ranks.
The Long Transition
Four decades since the passing of Spain's democratic Constitution, the "regime of '78" is sharply criticized by the Left and the Catalan independence movements. Yet former prime minister Felipe González still defends it.
Between Vichy and the Republic
The National Front hasn't changed. It just learned how to articulate its longstanding racism and xenophobia with mainstream French republican discourse.
The Mélenchon Economy
Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s senior economic advisor explains his proposals to grow the economy and carry out an ecological transition.
France’s Once-Mighty Communist Party Is Struggling to Find Its Voice
French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel is running for the presidency — and even polling ahead of the long-powerful Socialists. But a campaign heavy on identity also shows that the old workers’ parties are struggling to speak to a changed working class.
To Defeat Le Pen, France’s Left Needs to Offer Hope
Faced with France’s snap elections, the left-wing parties built an alliance in record time. But to defeat Marine Le Pen, sounding the alarm about the far right won’t suffice. The Left will need to offer a positive vision for working-class France.
Schengen Is a Border-Free Zone Surrounded by Barbed Wire
Removing border checks between many European states, the Schengen Area is often hailed as an internationalist triumph. Yet its creation went hand in hand with the tightening of Europe’s external borders — a contradiction that is hardening today.
Social Democracy’s Incomplete Legacy
Our impulse should not be to reject social democracy's legacy, but to build on and complete its promise.
What Happened to the French Left?
Many thought the Parti de gauche would reinvigorate the French left. Why has the effort failed?
Brussels, Dec. 12, 1975
NATO leaders from across the political spectrum found common cause opposing Eurocommunism.
French Recognition of Palestine Has Been a Long Time Coming
On Monday, France joined nine other countries in recognizing Palestinian statehood. But the long delay in making this move is a litany of missed opportunities.
The Left Is Alive
Le Pen is in the second round, but Sunday showed us that the French left isn't dead after all.
We Can Only Go Beyond Communism by Coming to Terms With Its History
Thirty years ago today, the Soviet Union collapsed. Twentieth-century communism should be understood in all its complexity, as revolution and regime, a spur to anti-colonialism and an alternative form of social democracy.
Biden’s Escalation With Russia Over Ukraine Is a Terrible Idea
Western governments are being called on to send more weapons to Ukraine — an arms buildup that will only escalate a potentially disastrous conflict. What we really need is a comprehensive peace settlement for the region.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon Is Popular Because He Confronts the Powerful
For years, Jean-Luc Mélenchon has faced endless accusations of “divisiveness” and “extremism.” Today, his left-wing movement is more popular than ever — and it’s because it didn’t shy away from taking on French elites.