Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting take on the history of socialism and how it can play a part in today's politics. I do agree that the current political parties in the US have not done enough to help the people overcome many of the economic and social issues we currently face. The pandemic has certainly made the issues more apparent. I appreciate the authors mention of a possible socialistic reform within our capitalistic society as natural resources become bleak and affordable housing becomes a thing of the past. I don't see us regaining the economic boom of the 90s but tragically fighting to survive with the minimum as environmental issues worsen.
We certainly need a solution now before things worsen and perhaps socialism can help.
Overall enjoyed the enlightening views of this author as we face an existential question of what's next.

This much needed tome gives an excellent explanation of what socialism truly is and clears any misconception that there has been over the years. The book outlines what ideals socialism stands for and counterpoints how capitalism has failed. In a world where fake news is always a threat, it is refreshing to see a clear and concise description of a means for the world to progress towards. This should be read in every classroom and become fodder for discussion to change the current corrupt political system.

Judis, a long-time, intelligent observer of politics and movements, offers an interesting examination of the rise in popularity of socialism and socialist policy/ideas - and also how it has changed over the years, how it is no longer a scary term to be dismissed. The author provides an interesting, thought-provoking examination of how younger generations have come to embrace certain (if not all) socialist ideas, seeing it as complementary to capitalism, and a means to achieving many of the failed promises of modern life/the American dream.

Well worth reading.

The author provides an interesting and informative history of socialism and its various iterations. When I think of socialism, I tend to think of the stereotypical 19th century/early 20th century ideology focused on collective ownership of goods, resources, and the means of production; the social democracy of the Nordic countries; or the democratic socialism espoused by Sanders and his followers. However, the author describes multiple early versions of socialism. He does a good job of explaining why socialism struggled to catch on in many western nations, especially the US, and why the failures of the major political parties in the US and Britain to effectively address various forms of inequality have caused a renewed interest in socialist ideas among the younger generations in recent years, as best epitomized by the support of Bernie Sanders by younger voters (and to a lesser extent, Jeremy Corbyn in Britain, whose personality dampens some of his appeal).

I found it interesting that the author believes the biggest obstacle to democratic socialism truly becoming a powerful force is the failure of its adherents to understand the importance of nationalism. You might be able to convince a majority of people to support collectivist policies, in particular the higher taxes/financial burden required, but that requires that the group of beneficiaries be defined.

One flaw in the book is that the author seems to believe that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) can take over as the face of democratic socialism in the US and keep it relevant and potentially successful on a national level. He repeatedly links Sanders and AOC, and notes that Sanders' age makes it unrealistic for him to remain the national leader long-term. However, there is not much substance to AOC, who has demonstrated a very tenuous grasp of economics, statistics, and at times, basic math, and who is prone to make false or misleading statements and vilifying her critics when confronted with her errors (similar in ways to her fellow New Yorker, Trump).

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

A short interesting overview of the origins and history of socialism and also Sanders, Trump, and the current situation. It's very informative and helped me understand the current political situation. However, sometimes it was a bit dry and just felt like a long list of facts.

This book was a short and to the point introduction to the origins and development of socialism in its varying forms. Bernie Sanders and AOC are highlighted as well as the current environment with Trump, the pandemic, and the pandemic depression. Overall, this was decently good and super informative, but would benefit from a more in depth round of editing and proofreading.

I question the emphasis placed on Bernie Sanders. Not immersed in the local politic I can't say how appropriate the coverage of British socialism was or was not. But I learned a good deal about the histories of socialist policies in each respective country.

John Judis has written a number of books on politics and this book is the third in a trilogy, the first two dealing with populism and nationalism. I will likely read the other two as well as these topics have become interesting to me in the face of the pandemic and economic depression as well as the racial injustice movement. These events lay bare the failures of market capitalism in dramatic fashion. People are disillusioned and seeking new answers. Socialist institutions within capitalism are one viable alternative argues Judis. Judis describes the various types of socialism which is helpful and informative.

There are still quite a few typos in this advanced reader copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

August 20, 2020
I received this Kindle for the specific purpose of review from Net Galley.

I chose the book in an attempt to understand how and why socialism to so appealing to so many. I have slugged through the first third of the book and I came away deciding to go no further. My opinion is such that though well written and certainly if you don't know much about American History and other countries where there is socialism it could sound easy. But I must say I still believe capitalism is the way to go as a nation.

The sheer mathematics don't work. If you make everything equal and tax the wealthy beyond a fair rate, who becomes the CEO and takes the risk of a new company. Our nation has taken incentive away from so many because of the attitude that we should all be paid equally. There is more risk, blood, sweat and tears put in when you own the company or a major shareholder than when you are the employee.

So, all that said, I did not continue the book because I considered the entire agenda of the book to be flawed and certainly against what the United States of America has acted upon.
#NetGalley # Goodreads

Comments

More than a walk through the history of socialist movements, here and abroad, Judis wants his readers to rip off the T shirts and embrace the "nationalistic" import of organizing. His instruction is for the rest of us to embrace thy neighbor and help her realize the we-ness of a progressive alternative. He fears if we don't demonstrate the inclusivity of an alternative, the ideals of a more equitable union will be shorn off as "not for me."

This is an informative book about socialism, from its beginning and strictest meaning to its application to current Democracy. First, the author begins with the traditional definition of socialism and then progresses to democratic socialism. Next is an interesting political history of Bernie Sanders, where he began his politicism and how it has evolved over the years to be known as Democratic Socialism. Many older people fear the term “socialism” in any context. As the United States becomes top heavy with too many rich people and they exploit the working class with lower wages, more hours and fewer benefits, Democratic Socialism could be what is needed to reign in the unfettered run that “capitalism” is having in the US. That is not to say we will be living in communes and singing kumbaya. This book clearly defines that some capitalism is good, however, people must be treated ethically and sometimes need help that currently doesn’t happen with the current “trickle – down” theories and methods of government/economy. British Socialism is also examined at length. This book helped me understand socialism and how it can be used, along with capitalism, to make the world a better place for all and not just the rich.

Very interesting history and facts about Socialism. My issue is this was the same information I have read in every other book I have read on the subject.

Is socialism the flavor of the moment, picked up by a younger generation that has no clue how horrific it would be? John Judis, whose life has been socialism, says it is far more than that. In The Socialist Awakening, he shows that today’s vision of socialism is far different. This is not your great grandfather’s socialism. It has been molded and adapted for the 21st century by thinkers who are witnessing the horrors of an unfettered and corrupt market economy. Socialism is primed to be a major factor in national politics for the foreseeable future. There might actually be a choice between the two parties going forward.

First, how do Millennials not cringe at the word? For one thing, no one is seriously talking about a takeover. There will be no glorious revolution. Millennials can plainly see socialism working beautifully with in the capitalist system, without destroying what has been positive. Judis says “They see socialism as developing within capitalism, the way capitalism developed within feudalism. Socialism creates institutions and laws that fulfill the ethical ideals of liberty, equality, justice, democracy, and social solidarity.”

And when the young advance guard talks about socialism, it is not defensive, but analytical. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says “When Millennials talk about socialism, we’re talking about countries and systems that already exist that have already proven to be successful in the modern world. We’re talking about single-payer healthcare that has already been successful in in many different models, from Finland to Canada to the UK.”

So the dreaded socialism does not raise panic among Millennials. It is closer to jealousy, as America fails to deliver on dream after dream for its own citizens.

The book is compact and compressed and easy to digest. Judis quickly reviews the various stages socialism has evolved through, from purist Marxism, to various colors of populism, through its all but total disappearance (in the USA), to its evident resurgence. It is a valuable overview. It’s good to know where all this came from and why what is being proposed today is a far better, more reasonable and achievable version of an idea that has kept changing without boundaries. Principles, sure. But not boundaries. Socialism, like every political force, has been all over the place, and Judis has collected it in tight paragraphs for all to see and understand.

This is the final book of a trilogy, the others being devoted to populism and nationalism. But socialism is the most controversial, and for many, especially the older generations, the most fearsome. The very word alone is enough to stir fury among the boomers, because it is somehow the opposite of total freedom. There is nothing about it that could possibly be of benefit to Americans, and they dismiss anything that smacks of it before it can be discussed.

For Millennials, membership should have its privileges. If the USA is the most advanced and the richest nation, why is there so much misery, poverty, sickness, debt and self-destruction? There doesn’t have to be, and the evidence is just across borders. They see it as insanity that the US is so far behind.

The lightning rod has been Bernie Sanders. Judis says Sanders is the most important (American) figure in socialism since Eugene Debs, who ran for president numerous times and brought socialism from church-like clubs and assemblies to a nationally-recognized political force.

In the 2016 primaries, Sanders got more votes from 18-29 year olds than Clinton and Trump combined. By January 2020, polls were showing that well over 2/3 think government should be doing more to solve problems. The catalysts, Judis says, were the financial crisis, climate change, and Trump. The result is an insurgence within the Democratic Party (it couldn’t possibly happen in today’s Republican Party), clearly favored by the young.

Even though Sanders didn’t get the nomination, he has clearly moved the goalposts to the left. The Democratic Party now talks in Sanders’ terms, nothing like what it was like under Obama or Clinton or Carter. Biden has asked Sanders to put his people in Biden’s taskforces looking at issues and policies. This alone has changed the political dynamic in the USA.

Judis draws clear lines among socialism, populism and nationalism. But he insists socialism needs nationalism to work. The long-held belief of socialists that everything should be universal, that everyone should help everyone and love everyone – stops at the border for Judis. He says it can’t work if people can move to the USA and leave at will. The USA can’t provide jobs to all comers. Free healthcare can’t simply be offered to everyone who seeks it from anywhere in the world. He says nationalism is a key component to making it work within capitalism. And it needs to be within the borders of the nation-state.

We’re nowhere near that point.

In a chapter on British socialism, Judis traces its more successful trail, with all its ups and downs. It is very real, and there are lessons to be found if Americans want to look. Much as Trump is obsessed with dismantling everything ever achieved by Obama, so Thatcher was obsessed with dismantling everything ever achieved by Labour. It has tortured the British economy and society ever since. Judis dismisses political compromises like British Labour’s “Third Way” under Blair as misguided, ineffective and unworkable. A third way is nothing to vote for.

In Judis’ view, capitalism is not going away. It is too well entrenched and has too many accomplishments going for it to just be tossed aside. Millennials see that. They are not about overthrow. They do not have manifestos, militias or martyrs on offer. What socialism means to them is greater equality and enhanced social services. To them, Trump has pushed the pendulum about as far to the right as it can go. The time has come for it to swing back. And he, the pandemic, the recession and climate change have primed it to do so.

David Wineberg