What Is Democratic Socialism?

The phrase "democratic socialism" is indeed everywhere in the news these days.

Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Sen. Julia Salazar have claimed the label. Meanwhile, the Democratic Socialists of America has seen its membership explode from 6,000 in summer 2016 to more than 55,000 two years later, and the political establishment doesn't quite know what to make of it all.

The readings below will help explain why democratic socialism has dramatically increased in popularity since 2016 and dispel common myths and misconceptions about democratic socialism.

What Is Democratic Socialism?

• What is Democratic Socialism?, Neal Meyer, Jacobin
• Democratic socialism, explained by a democratic socialist, Meagan Day, Vox
• Musings on the Meaning of Democratic Socialism, Matt Bruenig, People's Policy Project
• Towards Freedom: Democratic Socialist Theory and Practice, Joseph Schwartz and Michael Shulman, Democratic Socialists of America

Why "Progressive" Isn't Enough

• Why We’re Socialists, Not “Progressives”, Natasha Fernández-Silber, Jacobin
• Why the Differences Between Sanders and Warren Matter, Zaid Jilani, Jacobin
• Elizabeth Warren Can and Should Do Better on Foreign Policy, Sarah Lazare, Jacobin
• Sanders’s Speech Presents a Conundrum for New Left’s Socialist Strategy, Ashley Smith, Truthout
• Defining Democratic Socialism, Curt Ries, Common Dreams
• Accountable Capitalism or Democratic Socialism?, Stephen Maher, Jacobin