Jacobin Radio The Dig: The European Situation with Chris Bickerton and Jerome Roos
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Jun 5, 2019 Chris Bickerton, a political theorist from the University of Cambridge, and Jerome Roos, an expert in international political economy at LSE, delve into Europe's shifting political landscape. They analyze the rise of far-right movements and the decline of the left, highlighting challenges in voter engagement and democratic accountability. Their discussion connects historical events, like Syriza's defeat, to current struggles within the EU, calling for a stronger leftist movement. They also tackle the complexities of anti-migrant politics and the need for a unified response to climate and social justice issues.
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European Elections Reflect National Politics
- European Parliament elections primarily reflect national political battles rather than transnational politics.
- Voting patterns often show national divides and are not fully indicative of European-level political dynamics.
Shifting Left-Wing Social Bases
- Traditional working-class political bases are fragmenting in Europe, changing left-wing party demographics.
- New political coalitions involve both urban educated youth and deindustrialized traditional workers, requiring bridging different class perspectives.
EU's Power from Labor Decline
- The EU's power stems from the decline of organized labor and national politics, not the cause of it.
- Its opaque, technocratic decision-making excludes mass politics and reduces democratic engagement.
