In the neoliberal era, economics marginalised the social sciences. But, Sheri Berman writes, only politics can tame capitalism’s chaotic gyrations.
Who is to blame? Citizens, elites and democracy
If there is a crisis of democracy, look up at leaders rather than down at citizens to find it.
Polarisation and the threat to democracy
In a polarised US, Sheri Berman writes, the tyranny of unrepresentative minorities represents the main threat to democracy.
Time to decamp from cold-war ideas
Sections of the left which still think of the world in blocs, Sheri Berman writes, are guilty of blocked thinking.
Unnecessary tradeoffs
Progressive ideas can prevail in a democracy, Sheri Berman writes—but only if they are pitched in universal terms.
Stopping democratic backsliding
Sheri Berman argues that democracy today faces a more insidious threat than coups d’état—slow strangulation by elected autocrats.
The consequences of neoliberal capitalism in eastern Europe
Sheri Berman argues that post-communist left embrace of economic as well as political liberalism allowed populists to target the latter.
Threats to American democracy
Sheri Berman warns that while the threats may seem incremental they pose a real danger—which Europeans should note.
Dealing with the right-wing populist challenge
Sheri Berman explores what the Swedish case reveals about strategies to adopt towards right-wing populist parties.
Why such an imperfect union?
US political dysfunctionality is put down to partisanship and polarisation. But Sheri Berman argues it’s the issue agenda that counts.
Closing the representation gap
Sheri Berman argues that the embourgeoisement of centre-left parties has fostered a crisis of representation, at the heart of democratic dissatisfaction.
How to move forward
Sheri Berman explores how progressives can offer viable solutions and build effective political coalitions to reverse the populist victories since the financial crisis.
Where did Trumpism come from?
A new book turns away from the ‘demand side’ focus of much populism analysis to the ‘supply’ of a plutocratic, ever-more right-wing Republican party.
Protests, the left and the power of democracy
Sheri Berman urges the American left not to squander the sea-change in public opinion of recent weeks by only preaching to the converted.
Democracy, authoritarianism and crises
The coronavirus crisis may be a natural disaster but, Sheri Berman writes, how governments are responding is a product of their politics.
What’s at stake in the Democratic primaries
Sheri Berman sets out the reasoning of the contending camps behind the US Democratic presidential contenders—and their European resonances.
Interregnum or transformation?
Sheri Berman warns that, however self-evident the crisis of this neoliberal phase of capitalism may appear, it will not automatically collapse.
The downsides and dangers of economic determinism
Economic determinism has appealed, at various times, to some on the left and on the right. Either way it avoids facing the choices politics entails.
A defeat for the populist right isn’t always a win for the social-democratic left
The populist right and the social-democratic left may contest for the support of the popular classes but, Sheri Berman argues, it’s not a simple zero-sum game.
Populists, greens and the new map of European politics
In light of the gains by green parties and right-wing populists in the Euro-elections, Sheri Berman explores how the traditionally dominant parties respond to such challenges.
Populism and the embrace of complexity
Populists may often thrive with simple narratives. But Sheri Berman warns that simple explanations of populism itself will not pass muster. Understanding the rise of populism is among the most urgent tasks facing social scientists and concerned citizens today. In a rush to understand, many long for simple, straightforward answers. If we want to understand […]