Post #3301502
2026-06-12 16:11 UTC
True, but also as a tactic (IE voting in socialism) its a complete historical failure that should be relegated to the history books.
All the attempts in the late 1800s until now showed that capitalists will not give up state power without violence, and even explicitly socialist parties who acheived some electoral success, end up quickly capitulating to the demands of the capitalists who run the country’s economy, and make a hard turn to the right. Look at the state of the European “socialist” or “labour” parties.
Red Phoenix - Pacifism - How to do the enemy’s job for them. Youtube Audiobook
Not to mention all the coups the US carried out even on countries who attempted to tread a “non-violent” socialist path: like Chile in 1970. While the countries who took control of the military and went through a civil war to disempower and nationalize capital are still standing on their own two feet: Cuba, China, Vietnam, DPRK.
“Democratic socialism” also sometimes use (incorrectly) to refer to capitalist-run states in the imperial core (like the nordic states) with some welfare band-aids, funded on the backs of the world’s workers in the global south.
What about social democracy / democratic socialism / the Nordic model? Isn’t Sweden socialist?
On the unraveling of the Nordic welfare states: increasing inequality and forced austerity.
Scandinavia’s covert role in western imperialism
Replies (1)
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@andrewrgross@slrpnk.net 2026-06-12 21:01
Respectfully: I think this take is dumb. There’s no practical utility in fighting against democratic socialists. They’re not a problem that needs solved. It’s a label used to organize people who are looking for an easy every point to leftist organizing. Most DSA “socialists” I know are actually radical dual power ML Communists already. Complaining that DSA socialism is ineffective is like complaining that the first rung of a ladder is too close to the ground. Just focus on building up the stuff you like better. Instead of explaining why voting is insufficient, point people towards what is.