Outsourcing Repression

Bolsonaro doesn’t need an open military dictatorship to crush his opponents. As the “Colombian model” demonstrates, he can lean on violent paramilitaries to do the dirty work for him.

Why South Africa Needs a Democratic Socialism

South African politics urgently needs an injection of electoral energy from the Left, that speaks in a language that resonates with voters, rejects chauvinism, and embraces democracy.

Bolsonaro’s Most Dangerous Supporters

Establishment outlets like the Economist insist the Brazilian military is a moderating influence on the far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro. But precisely the opposite is true.

Brazil’s Ultra-Politics

The core of Bolsonarism is hatred of Brazil’s organized working class, which today — despite no threat of socialist revolution — is incarnated in the PT and the image of Lula.

Against “Anti-Corruption”

If the Left is serious about wielding and transforming state power, it needs to go beyond a moralistic understanding of corruption.

“Brazilian Inequality Is Female”

Brazilian vice-presidential candidate Manuela D’Ávila on misogyny in politics, the ruling class’s motivations for keeping Lula jailed, and what’s driving the far right’s resurgence.

From Zuma to Ramaphosa

Jacob Zuma won’t be remembered as a liberation hero, but as a corrupt leader who broke the South African left.

Cyril Ramaphosa Is Not the Answer

South Africa needs more than a new leader: it needs a new vision, one that levels economic inequality and dismantles patronage systems.

Why Do So Many Western Leftists Defend Robert Mugabe?

Apologetics for a kleptocratic tyrant have nothing to do with anti-imperialism.

Lessons Earned

What have we learned from the Pink Tide’s years in power?

Zuma Is Not the Only Problem

From Donald Trump to Jacob Zuma, we can’t reduce politics to “getting rid of the bad guys” and expect to win.

South Africa Doesn’t Need a “Lula Moment”

A real political alternative in South Africa will come from powerful social movements — not charismatic leaders.

Remaking the South African Left

A revived South African trade union movement could challenge the ANC from its left.

Jacobin Radio South Africa, Ep. 4

Racism and crime in post-apartheid South Africa.

Jacobin Radio South Africa, Ep. 3

What happened to the African National Congress?

Twenty Years of Defeat

Today, South Africans will likely reelect Jacob Zuma and his African National Congress. But the party of Nelson Mandela is losing ground.

The Two Mandelas

While Mandela was certainly a “great historical figure,” too many tributes have been unable to move beyond hagiography.

Dispatch from South Africa