Xuan Chuanshu^a and Tan Yangfang^b

^aOverseas Socialism Research Center, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Shanghai, China;

^bBureau of Scientific Research Management, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China

ABSTRACT

During the campaigning for the 2016 US Presidential election, the self-proclaimed socialist Bernie Sanders gained momentum in the Democratic primary and won significant support especially from young voters. This may appear abnormal in a country that has long been regarded as exceptional for the weakness of its socialist movement. Analysis of the underlying situation and of its historical logic indicates that the “unexpected” upsurge of socialist tendencies in US politics is the integrated consequence of multiple factors. Subjectively, Sanders’s socialist campaign appealed to concerns that are widespread among Americans. Objectively, along with the widening gap between rich and poor, the deepening financial crisis in the US has altered the existing bias of Americans against socialism. At the same time, the socialist tradition in the US has survived and continued to develop, while internationally, world socialism has undergone a revitalization. The “unexpected” rise of American socialism proves that history has not ended, and that in terms of a socialist presence in its political life, America is by no means an exception.

KEYWORDS

Sanders; US presidential election; socialism

From: International Critical Thought 2017 7 (1)

Editor: Wang Yi