Dossiers

  • Global political economy and trade policy

    Economic globalisation is changing society at a very rapid pace and is deeply impacting people`s living conditions. So far, it has been dominated and shaped by powerful economic interests. The dominant model for the economic development of globalisation is neoliberalism. In this paradigm, economic and social problems can best be solved by free markets and their main actors, private companies. However, the neoliberal promise that globalisation will bring prosperity for all has not been kept. Large parts of the global population are still affected by growing inequality and poverty.

    We develop strategies for such key topics as economic systems and trade policies as well as for the economic development of the underdeveloped regions of the world. Based on an examination of the role of international organisations such as the WTO, IMF, World Bank and UNCTAD we formulate requirements for action. We focus on the trade policies of the North, which attempts to defend its hegemonial position vis-à-vis the South. This section concentrates on the development of comprehensive positions for transformative processes, action strategies for international solidarity and left-wing responses to economic exploitation and crisis.

  • Northern Exposure: Politics and Change in the Nordic Countries

     

    The Nordic countries have, for decades, been characterised by a strong welfare state and strong unions, creating more equal societies with low levels of poverty and exclusion, high levels of gender equality and employment, and some of the highest standards of living seen.

    Nonetheless, the “Nordic model” has long been under stress. The region is not immune from the broader dynamics, trends and challenges of liberal democracies: the rise of the far right and right-wing populism, the neoliberal push for austerity and privatisation, the erosion of the gains of feminism, the so-called refugee crisis and the rise of racist discourse associated with it,  and the struggle to combat climate change.

    The political traditions, landscapes, and contexts for the emergence and success of political parties and movements across the Nordic region differ substantially, including very different economic profiles, and varying approaches to the European Union and EU integration.

    This section provides political analysis on the situation and development of the left in the Nordic region, its challenges, and opportunities.

     

    Cover photo: Nordic Prime Ministers Annual Meeting in Vestmannaeyjar on June 26, 2023 (IMAGO / Lehtikuva).

  • France on the edge

    Nearly 150 years after French poet Arthur Rimbaud’s masterwork, contemporary France is roiled by its own Season in Hell, a deeply fractured and unsettled political moment in which dark phantasms grow large and the path to a better world is anything but clear.

    Introducing a new series of political analysis from the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Brussels Office.

  • Elections and parties

    Brexit marks one of the biggest crises to face the European Union. The outcome of the upcoming elections will be crucial to Europe's future. On the one hand, this section will analyse the electoral situation in individual countries, including the formation of a government in Sweden and the parliamentary elections in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece and Poland and the local council elections in Germany, Spain and Turkey. On the other hand, the political developments surrounding the European Parliament elections will be a major focus. Social issues in particular will be discussed with respect to the European left from both country-specific and Europe-wide perspectives, and strategies will be developed that the left can use to counter nationalist and right-wing populist movements.

  • Social-ecological transformation

    The current economic system is in an acute crisis, which is being reflected in all aspects of the society in Europe and globally. A transition of the economic system is a possible solution for exiting the multiple crises. The socio-ecological dimension is the starting point for this transition. Questions of a just energy production, distribution and administration, of the efficiency of financialisation of concepts such as “natur” or services and of a clean and sustainable energy are being focused on. We are talking about a resource and environmental friendly generation of energy and raw materials. We are also talking about a democratic and inclusive administration of energy and industry. And we are of course talking about sustainability and fairness in distribution: jobs, basic living services and quality of life are of one making. Our publications and events in this section focus on this transition.

  • Solidarity and emancipation

    Social movements are the basis for the development of solidary society and economy models. Based on best practice examples and new ideas for a common way of production, distribution and administration of goods and services we will develop and examine alternative models. The European social and workers policies are in the focus of our research. At the same time we view solidarity as the cornerstone for emancipation of groups, classes and individuals. Solidarity is standing in opposition to all forms of exclusion and discrimination and is allowing the participation to all social, political and economic processes to each and everyone. If it regards the administration of common goods, the inclusion of migrants or the fighting of far-right extremism: solidarity and emancipation are the keys for a recovery of control of all socio-political and economic areas of life, that are currently being ruled by the neoliberal financial and economic capitalism.

  • Global power and resistance

    We analyse the reasons for and impact of the world crisis in the different world regions. Furthermore we develop strategies for key topics (economic systems, trade politics) as well as for the world regions (concentrating on parts of the Global South, the BRICS states). Based on the examination of the role of international organisations (EU, UNO, IWF, WB, WTO etc.) we formulate requirements for action. We are focusing on the trade policies of the North, which tries to defend it hegemonial position vis-à-vis the South and the BRICS. The development of comprehensive positions for transformative processes, strategies for action for international solidarity and left answers to the crisis are central to this section.

  • Crises and left solutions

    This section compiles contents regarding the situation and development of the Left in Europe and the different world regions. One aspect is the examination of its social structures, its ability to define strategies, to act and to cooperate within and outside of parliaments. The analysis of cooperation between the European Left and the Left of other world regions is also playing an important role. Another aspect is the defence of democracy, including questions of majorities – minorities, migration and flight. We are looking at processes within Europe (Fortress Europe, racism) and are developing key topics in cooperation with other regions (e.g. Eastern Europe and the Eurasian region). We also devote our work to movements of resistance against authoritarian or right-wing extremist developments.