The Socialist Manifesto: The Case for Radical Politics in an Era of Extreme Inequality

The headline is provocative, but I believe fair. The author writes that “instead of making the case for socialism, [radicals] made the case against capitalism. I have tried to do something different” (p.29). In reality, the author uses one chapter to imagine what a socialist society would be like in the future. The rest of the book is the history of socialism up to modern times.Instead of offering reasons why this story can become reality, he expects readers to be convinced that his fictional account is economically sustainable. This includes mandating that workers control the firms’ decisions, state ownership of companies that are then rented to workers with good proposals (like shark tank), guaranteed government jobs, and a basic income grant. There is virtually zero economic arguments as to why such a program would be sustainable.I will mention here that even many libertarians are in favor of a basic income. People who value freedom recognize that having one’s basic needs taken care of means people are not compelled to work in noxious conditions. This policy would provide the most important aspect of socialism (freedom and dignity) with a minimal chance of unintended consequences.“At its core, to be a socialist is to assert the moral worth of every person” (p.26). With this rebranding, we’re all either socialists or sociopaths.He argues that the ever-increasing welfare state is insufficient because “the social-democratic compromise is inherently unstable” (p. 221). He then has faith that workers rising up to control firms and raising taxes to provide everyone with basic needs puts us on sturdy ground. For anyone not already a socialist, this is unconvincing.“The socialist argues that wage labor is in fact an unacceptable form of exploitation” (p. 28). A note on ‘exploitation’: When Marx uses the term it does not mean treating someone unfairly, but instead means the capitalist receives some of the worker’s production in return for taking market risk and providing the worker with the opportunity and equipment. Many would argue that is entirely fair, and that using ‘exploitation’ is such a way is misleading.If the author was willing to promote freedom and moral worth through a basic income supported by a competitive market economy then all would be well. Instead he takes the ideological step towards socialism without any evidence of sustainability, and in doing so likely undermines the very source of prosperity that he takes for granted.

Excellent readable historical overview of socialism, triumphs and failures, with a renewed democratic socialist vision for the future, a re-imaging of Michael Harrington’s socialism rooted in the left-wing of the possible today

Only half way through the book but am really enjoying it. Never have I thought the writing was too dry nor 'dumbed down' for a general audience. A good balance of information, history and inspiration. My wife wants to read it next.

This book is perfect for anyone who wants an accessible and practical introduction to socialist history and theory. Despite its massive scope, it is thrillingly paced as a continuous story--making it a joy to read. For more experienced students of the left, this is still chock full of insights and arguments and context that will reanimate your activism. Sunkara reconstructs socialism for our time, when we need it most!

I thought the history of socialism and particularly its modern exponents, Bernie and Corbyn, was well analyzed and his suggestions for implementation was very thoughtful. Like most socialists, he believes that jobs for everyone is a good idea, and he does not take into account the possibility of automation removing all jobs int he near future. His manifesto of action does not take this into account, although he mentions it briefly, just as Marx did in his "Grundriss". The other shortcoming that would have improved this book mightily would be to take NGOs and non profits in general into account. They form a multi-trillion dollar economy that is growing dramatically. Bhaskar dismisses them contemptuously as "advisors" and fails to recognize their huge potential for improving laws, government protections and safety nets, and in general promoting a socialist economy. Of course, many of them are consultants for industry; and they probably make the most money and ar most visible; but the more numerous firms are not capitalist but purely service industries that serve the people in general and even workers. Bhaskar's focus on political parties and government is well reasoned as the direction for future action. AS capitalism reaches and end stage where service industries dominate, where education and health become the remaining human industries not dominated by robots, the distinction between capitalism and socialism will fray beyond recognition. AS jobs disappear, universal basic income will take over; ownership of intellectual and business capital will become universal, and socialism will triumph with no revolution, only constant improvements.

Great book. Leads through the history of socialist movement throughout history (both communist and more social democratic movements). Also leads you to feel optimistic about the future if you feel exploited by the capitalist system, or feel that a better system must be out there.

Reads more like a retelling of socialist movements throughout history (not that this isn't an important venture in itself) than a manifesto. In fact, one does not encounter the actual manifesto until the very end of the book. The book overall feels unevenly presented - we begin with an imaginative vignette about a possible socialist future, then we get many chapters detailing failed socialist movements in history, then we finally get a brief manifesto. It feels like the author needed more time to come up with a cogent concept for this book. A diehard ideologue like me will still enjoy his writing but those looking for a clearly proposed exposition of socialism (as one would get of communism from its famous manifesto) will be left disappointed.

I had many questions about the Soviet Union, mao’s China, German social democrats and more. This book gave me all the info I needed