The Socialist Manifesto

The Case for Radical Politics in an Era of Extreme Inequality

By: Bhaskar Sunkara

Narrated by: Benjamin Isaac

A "razor-sharp" introduction to this political and economic ideology makes a galvanizing argument for modern socialism (Naomi Klein) -- and explains how its core tenets could effect positive change in America and worldwide.
In The Socialist Manifesto, Bhaskar Sunkara explores socialism's history since the mid-1800s and presents a realistic vision for its future. With the stunning popularity of Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Americans are embracing the class politics of socialism. But what, exactly, is socialism? And what would a socialist system in America look like? The editor of Jacobin magazine, Sunkara shows that socialism, though often seen primarily as an economic system, in fact offers the means to fight all forms of oppression, including racism and sexism. The ultimate goal is not Soviet-style planning, but to win rights to healthcare, education, and housing, and to create new democratic institutions in workplaces and communities. A primer on socialism for the 21st century, this is a book for anyone seeking an end to the vast inequities of our age.

Critic reviews

"An exciting and accessible text for young socialists attempting to forge a new political path into the 21st Century...With millions of youth flocking to socialist ideas and with politicians such as Bernie Sanders, Jeremy Corbyn, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leading the charge, Bhaskar Sunkara makes a convincing case that this time around we just might get it right."—In These Times

"An essential read for anyone curious about how the resurgent American left thinks."—Commonweal

"What Sunkara wants is a truly democratic, inclusive, egalitarian socialism...[He] is asking us to try to squeeze through the cracks of existing yet inadequate alternatives and dare to imagine something new...Even for those who harbor some doubts, Sunkara's point of view has many virtues."—Democracy Journal

"To read The Socialist Manifesto or any other major works of the modern left is to be immersed in a movement sure of its own moral worth, clear on what it believes in and willing to fight for it...This is what American liberals need to learn from."—Vox

"[Sunkara] puts his faith in a disciplined political movement advocating reforms that improve people's lives in the here-and-now while laying a foundation for ever-more aggressive challenges to capital...Rejecting the choice between a counterproductive politics of purity and a deflating acceptance of the status quo...he insists that socialists can be more than junior partners in a coalition dominated by liberals."—Dissent

"When it comes to the growth and appeal of socialism in the United States, Bhaskar Sunkara has played a tremendously important role...The Socialist Manifesto is important reading for our tumultuous and transformative present."—Pop Matters

"Smart...A bright, energetic, and politically sophisticated millennial, Sunkara clearly believes that now is the time for such a book...The Socialist Manifesto helps to explain...resurgent socialism, and this is a good thing."—Los Angeles Review ofBooks

"Sunkara's arguments are anchored in sturdy common sense...American political culture could certainly use more popularizations like The Socialist Manifesto."—The Progressive

"The book speaks to the reader in a straightforward, down-to-earth fashion...Impressive."—New Politics

"A smartly composed overture to non-socialists, illuminating both the movement's history and potential for those who may doubt, worry about, or even hate what they understand as 'socialism.'...Sunkara's vision is thrillingly non-utopian...He writes with clarity and light-heartedness...emphasis[ing] how socialism enables greater choice, leaves markets intact, is about participation and democracy, is created through reform, and is ultimately about freedom."—New Statesman

One of the BEST books on the left I've found!

This is an excellent book explaining the origins and progression of the left (Socialism/ Communism) over the centuries. A great opportunity to learn from history and make more informed plans for the future. With the goal of not exploiting the weak but instead rasing them up to be equal and unique individuals. Also read "The Conquest of Bread".

Insightful Look

Into the history of socialism and a great case for the idealogy. I enjoyed it!

great into to history and concepts of Socialism

Thurs is great for college or high school or someone who wants an introduction to Socialism. great resource!

Good, but agree with reviews saying it is mostly history

I’m a complete beginner when it comes to socialism and was just interested in learning more, so I didn’t mind the history mentioned, I thought that it was also part of his way to point out how different attempts have gone in the past and what and why were their failings. I thought the book was inspiring and definitely made me want to look more into socialism in the future!

Good book

What else can I say? It’s a good book about socialism. You should read it and share it.