The Rise of Socialism

The election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City reflects a broader resurgence of socialist ideas in American politics, particularly among younger voters. For supporters, this rise is largely a response to widening economic inequality, rising housing and healthcare costs, and a sense that traditional market-based policies have failed to provide stability or fairness. Mamdani and similar figures frame socialism less as government control and more as an expansion of public goods.

Critics, however, argue that socialist policies risk increasing government inefficiency and expanding state power in ways that may undermine individual freedom and economic growth. As a result, the debate goes beyond specific policies and taps into deeper questions about the proper role of government. Mamdani’s rise has become a focal point for these tensions, symbolizing a growing divide over capitalism’s future.

• What social or economic conditions do you think most strongly explain the renewed appeal of socialism?
• To what extent do you see Mamdani’s election as a reaction against capitalism versus an attempt to reform it?
• Are rising housing, healthcare, and education costs better addressed through expanded public programs or market-based solutions — or some hybrid of the two?
• How should we distinguish between democratic socialism and more traditional forms of socialism, and does that distinction matter in practice?
• Do you think the rise of socialist-leaning leaders represents a lasting ideological shift, or is it more of a temporary response to current economic pressures?

The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of American Socialism https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/style/american-socialism-dsa-mamdani.html
The Real Reason Socialism is on the Rise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utTclkuPpN0
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In addition to the main topic (above), we also provide breakout rooms at 8pm as follows:
“Philosophy” – philosophy and its applications
“Town Square” – politics and current events
“Conference Room” – open for anything
“The Lounge” – light social chat