For the People

This book explores left populism in Spain and the US, focusing on Podemos and the Bernie Sanders movement as responses to inequality.

In For the People, Jorge Tamames presents an insightful comparative analysis of Spain’s Podemos party and the Bernie Sanders movement in the United States. This exploration of left populism reveals its potential as a powerful response to the growing inequality observed in both Europe and America. The book highlights how recent years have seen significant challenges to established political norms, with left populist movements emerging as a transformative force opposing the status quo, alongside the more commonly recognized radical right movements.

Tamames delves into the political landscapes of both countries, drawing on the theoretical frameworks of influential thinkers such as Karl Polanyi, Ernesto Laclau, and Chantal Mouffe. By doing so, For the People provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play in contemporary left populism. The book meticulously traces the rise of left parties and movements, beginning with the advent of neoliberalism in the 1970s, through the upheavals following the 2008 financial crisis, and into the ongoing political developments of today.

This work serves as an essential resource for activists, political students, and anyone intrigued by the current political climate in Europe and America. In a time marked by significant events like Trump and Brexit, For the People offers a vital blend of theoretical insight, historical context, and practical implications, illuminating the radical potential of left populism for those seeking change.