Next Left Vol. 16

Book

The 16^th volume from the Next Left research project, The Progressive Compass explores how social democratic parties in Europe can rebuild trust, respond to voter expectations, and shape a progressive future.

Featuring contributions from leading thinkers, the book offers concrete strategies on good governance, welfare, communication, and inclusive policies to help social democrats regain credibility and electoral strength in a time of political uncertainty and rising far-right influence.

~~ Reviews ~~

“This edition of the ‘”Progressive Compass” sheds light on the challenges social democracy is currently facing and offers innovative ideas on how progressive forces can inspire hope for a better future amidst turbulent and polarised times. By exploring strategies such as forming alliances, reengaging with citizens, and restoring trust in politics, the book sparks a crucial debate on the path forward to building more equitable and resilient societies. The book generates a debate on the way forward to build better and stronger societies, decrease inequalities via political action and put the wellbeing of citizens at the centre.”

Lina Gálvez Muñoz, MEP, S&D Group and Chair, FEPS Scientific Council

“The Progressive Compass is a call to action for those determined to shape a more inclusive and democratic Europe. As we confront systemic inequality and a backlash against progress, this volume provides much-needed direction to anchor our values and renew the social democratic promise, for this generation and the next.”

Zita Gurmai, President, PES Women

“The Progressive Compass is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of social democracy in Europe. This volume brings together insightful contributions from leading thinkers who address the pressing challenges faced by social democratic parties today. This book is a must-read for policymakers, academics, and anyone committed to or interested in progressive politics. It offers an inspiration for social democratic parties to regain credibility, engage voters, and implement a progressive agenda. Highly recommended for those seeking to understand and shape the future of European social democracy.”

Christian Krell, Professor, University of Applied Sciences for Police and Public Administration, North Rhine-Westphalia

“The most recent volume of the Next Left series, The Progressive Compass, offers a most welcome contribution to the ongoing and much-needed discussion on what progressive parties and movements should do faced with the current multiple and parallel crises. What is our movement’s answer to the climate and environmental emergency, the declining trust in institutions, the rise of far-right and populist parties, the wars at our doorstep, or the rising inequalities within and between countries? The authors of this volume contribute valuable insights and findings to help all of us to better navigate this new reality, be it as political parties, trade unions or civil society. It guides as to what we could weave our dreams of and what material to use for our political project.”

Mikael Leyi, Secretary General, SOLIDAR

“This edited volume will hopefully, as its name suggests, become a compass for progressive parties and voters in contemporary Europe. It provides plenty of direction on the political issues that progressives care about. Amongst them are increasing trust in political institutions, addressing an increasing sense of insecurity, and finding progressive solutions to urgent issues like migration and climate change. As populist radical right parties gain more support, progressives need to raise their game, understand voters better, and offer fresh, fair, and sustainable visions for today’s challenges. Get the compass out!”

Isabelle Hertner, Senior Lecturer in the Politics of Britain in Europe, King’s College London

“The Progressive Compass is another remarkable and timely contribution of the Next Left Research Programme to the renewal of social-democratic thinking, from values to political action. As always in the progressive movement, the starting point to find political answers to the challenges of our time must be the proper understanding of the nature of the “social question” in our contemporary societies and the discussion about the meaning and implications of our political principles here and now. When too many simplistic and misleading answers are given to the very complex problems we face, it is a good idea to listen to what scholars and young politicians have to say, enlarging and deepening the debate in search of new ideas and better progressive policies for our common future. This is why this book deserves our time and attention.”

Pedro Silva Pereira, President of the Res Publica Foundation and former Vice-President of the European Parliament

“In a world awash with misinformation, polarisation and disenchantment; surrounded by technofeudalism and growing threats to our democracies, it is more important than ever to renew our program and bring together the brightest minds. The remarkable duty of FEPS in addressing these challenges gives this 16^th volume its true historical relevance.”

Emma López, PSOE Councillor, Madrid, Secretary of Economic Policy and Digital Transformation of the PSOE Executive Member

“The Next Left 16th volume provides a compass for the European progressives to follow. As someone from the first generation of Poles who grew up as an EU citizen, I have been witnessing the European project begin to crack under the blows of populist and far-right forces. I have been observing it protesting on the streets of Warsaw just as much as seeing election results from all over Europe. Social democracy, despite all its historic achievements, must evolve to remain relevant. Europe’s future depends on our courage to act. And I know no political family more courageous, more ready to act, and stronger through its diversity than the social democrats.”

Aleksandra Iwanowska, FMS, VP Young European Socialists