The Next Left: The History of a Future

Harrington predicts a ""slow 1992,'' that is, gradual economic stagnation and social collapse in the years ahead. These conditions, he argues, will give the political left an opportunity to take power in the U.S. and Europe within the next five years. Even if that sounds farfetched, this scholarly, belabored manifesto by the author of The Other America and The Vast Majority may give readers pause. Arguing that Reagan's policies have drastically redistributed wealth and income from the poor and middle classes to the rich, he calls for a program of economic and industrial democracy. Goals that he feels should be on the left's immediate agenda include: transforming the character of work, involving employees in technological decision-making, guaranteed full employment and a renewal of trade unionism. Disarmament and an end to tax loopholes for corporations also take high priority. Harrington stresses that unless the left unites around a genuine moral vision, it will miss its chance. First serial to Dissent. (February 20)