Evaluating the Young Socialist Movement in America

Socialism has often thrived more on its image than its practical history. There’s a noticeable trend among the rising young socialist movement in America: it doesn’t really hold up outside the classroom discussions found in introductory Marxism courses.

During the Cold War, Soviet leaders labeled American liberals as “useful idiots,” those who would chatter about revolutionary ideas at social gatherings. Nowadays, many of these voices are young people who’ve dabbled in radical coffee clubs during their college years, often influenced by what some call “radical chic.”

Individuals like Zoran Mamdani, along with his recently appointed team, seem to rely on connections to affluent circles while they engage in lofty discussions about “gaining control of the means of production.”

It’s worth noting that they often lack much historical or philosophical understanding, which might be easier when trying to revive one of the least effective political concepts in history.

Take Venezuela, for example. There was a time when American radicals pointed to Venezuela as a model of a workers’ utopia. Socialist politicians like Sen. Bernie Sanders even suggested that the American dream could be easier to realize in Venezuela than in the U.S.

In 2019, members of the Chicago Teachers Union even traveled to Venezuela, claiming they “didn’t see a single homeless person” during their visit. What they overlooked was the absence of dissent and freedom of speech, which often masked the real economic struggles happening beneath the surface.

Venezuelan socialism has led to a dramatic economic downfall; once a wealthy nation, it now suffers from widespread hunger. In some cases, people have had to resort to eating their pets.

This socialist regime has clung to power only through electoral suppression and significant military support from Cuba.

Today, facing obsolescence in Venezuela, American socialists are seeking inspiration from other examples. Mamdani is taking the lead in South Africa, where his family possesses extensive land and a secure residence.

He urges New Yorkers to “look to Madiba and the South African Freedom Charter,” aiming for a broad and bold governance approach. The suggestion is that the U.S. situation mirrors apartheid in South Africa, and thus similar property redistribution could be necessary here.

However, it’s important to recognize that South Africa’s economy is in dire straits, prompting debates over the fairness of land confiscation from white landowners.

The U.S. has faced its share of economic hurdles—some stemming from misguided policies. Some American socialists highlight Cuba as another “success” story. Recently, Democratic Socialist Sean Scott was posed a question: “Can you name one instance of socialism succeeding anywhere?”

Without hesitation, he mentioned Cuba as a “great example of socialism working.” He pointed to improvements in literacy and public health but ignored the grim reality of a stagnant economy and the violent repression faced by its citizens.

Remarkably, Cuba has relied on Venezuela for support while also sending troops to aid in controlling dissent there. Yet, Scott insists that Cuba exemplifies principles that resonate with many concerned about education and health care.

When asked if he opposes that view, I would say yes—and I believe millions who have fled oppressive regimes would share that sentiment. Asking this question on the streets of Miami would generate a clear response.

In my recent book, I delve into how a new generation of young people, with little memory of past socialist collapses, has been convinced that their job struggles are not due to personal choices but are the result of capitalism’s inherent flaws.

Curiously, one can recite communist theories and earn a degree in African studies from a prestigious college yet still become the mayor of New York. For many, the challenge in finding jobs seems to validate what radical professors taught them about the supposed evils of capitalist dynamics—from oligarchies to oil firms.

These ideas seem to resonate with individuals like Thea Weaver, the newly appointed head of the Office of Tenant Protection, who has degrees in urban planning from very progressive institutions. She’s vocal about her desire to confiscate private property and dismantle a system she views as rooted in “white supremacy and capitalism.”

New York, it seems, is set to become a testing ground for college socialists eager to create yet another envisioned workers’ paradise, promoting initiatives like free public transport and state-run stores.

I can’t help but hope they someday prove the skeptics wrong, but it’s hard to see what wisdom can come from such thought processes.