Tackling precarity in the platform economy—and beyond
To focus on online platforms in isolation would miss the point that they are part of a wider phenomenon of spreading and intensifying precarity at work.
Politics
Analysis and debate on European and national politics, democracy, the rule of law, parties and elections, and Europe’s place in the world.
An inclusive Green New Deal: the EU must raise its ambition, confidence and determination
In our ‘Europe2025’ series, Kirsty Hughes argues that a Green New Deal can gel the domestic and neighbourhood policies of the union.
Weighted voting, revolution and the applause in a concert hall
Branko Milanovic argues that, after all the struggles to universalise the franchise, one-person one-vote is not the summit of democracy at all.
Rescue, not renewal: social investment for future wellbeing
Anton Hemerijck and Massimiliano Santini
The welfare state in Europe must become a social-investment state if the broken European social contract is to be renewed.
Giving Europe political substance
In our ‘Europe2025’ series, Mary Kaldor argues that developing substantive democracy in Europe to tame neoliberal globalisation must be the Leitmotif for the coming European term.
A woman’s place is in the leadership of her union
As the workforce is feminised and women come to predominate among union members, the next step is assuming leadership roles in the trade-union movement.
A new ‘mode of action’ for Europe—prioritising the polity
In the latest contribution to our ‘Europe2025’ series, Sophie Pornschlegel argues the EU needs to rethink its mode of action, in addition to tackling the pressing policy challenges ahead.
Brexit and the left
The Labour Party has squandered three years in addressing the challenge posed by the Brexit referendum.
What’s driving populism?
If authoritarian populism is rooted in economics, then the appropriate remedy is a populism of another kind—targeting economic injustice and inclusion—but pluralist in its politics and not necessarily damaging to democracy.
The future of Europe: rebalancing ecology, economics and ethics
Europe needs a new eco-social paradigm if it is to ward off the populist sirens and offer a positive vision for the continent.
The new Spanish minimum wage
Raising wage floors is one way to reduce inequality and stimulate recovery in Europe. A big uplift in the Spanish minimum wage this year provides a test bed.
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.
Europeanisation from below: still time for another Europe?
In the latest contribution to our ‘Europe2025’ series, Donatella della Porta argues that it has become increasingly difficult for social movements to envision another Europe from below.
Public discourse in the populist age—a trade-union perspective
Winning the battle against the populists means foregrounding and addressing social inequalities, not presuming political liberalism monopolises the alternative.
Turning the tide on violence and harassment at work
The #MeToo movement raised global awareness about the experience of harassment at work—now we have a potentially far-reaching ILO convention to combat the phenomenon.
Creating social legitimacy in the EU
The EU will only survive long-term if it builds its future agenda on broad public support through open dialogue and innovative consultation.