The EconomistJun 16, 2026 – 8.00pmDifferent times inspire different sets of leftist ideas. After the Second World War, especially in Europe, socialism drew strength from heavily unionised heavy industry. It aimed not to abolish capitalism but to manage it, by nationalising utilities and redistributing income widely.After the financial crisis of 2007-09 “Millennial socialists”, as The Economist dubbed them, argued that the post-war European model had created leaders too distant from ordinary workers and too complacent about climate change. Their solution was to put workers on company boards, create employee-owned co-operatives and subsidise green technology, all to create a more durable, fairer and greener capitalism.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
The world’s leftists are embracing a new set of economic ideas
The new socialists want the state to dictate the prices of essentials such as food and rent. Where money is required it will come by squeezing the wealthiest.
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