Challenges for the Left to go global: The disparity between centre and periphery

Abstract

Conflicting narratives of resistance exist within the contemporary European Left. One of the obstacles for the consolidation of contemporary European movements, which identify themselves with leftist traditions and/or goals is that the definition of ‘Left’ is not only blurred, but is furthermore divided into factions, which are continuously growing apart. These narratives are not necessarily conflicting, but they do emphasize different values and garner support from different groups. They also exhibit highly divergent levels of concern for rights of the growing refugee and immigrant population in Europe, women’s rights, LGBT rights and minority rights in their respective countries. The growing aggressiveness of corporate capitalism leaves neither little room for the consolidation of those narratives, nor much chance for their separate success. In order for such narratives to become international, there needs to be an increased openness towards global cohesion, since the current dismissal of the periphery with all its immanent difficulties makes it impossible for peripheral movements and experiences to be perceived as internationally relevant

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