US Senator Bernie Sanders (Democrat of Vermont) speaks during a rally led by US Congressional Democrats against President Donald J. Trump's proposed tax plan outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on November 1, 2017. Edelman Alex/Press Association. All rights reserved.“Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” Victor Hugo
We are in the middle of a swell that has a significant potential to make our daily lives worse than ever. The swell that we discuss is a combination of the political, social and economic dynamics of our age. It reflects itself as a rise of populism in politics; losing a sense of "solidarity," increasing polarization and racism among members of society; and insecure relations in the economy. This setting does not provide much prospect of a peaceful world in which people live as equal and free members of a just society.
The economic insecurity and life full of uncertainties that humanity experiences is not at all fair. Worse, the unequal power relations among and within the nations have caused wars and conflicts that result in the flow of millions of refugees. Moreover, governmental failure in providing inclusive migration policies exacerbate the polarization and racism in host societies. As a result of these experiences, people increasingly feel anger and isolation, since there is no social and political structure which can cope with the current crises of the world. In the absence of socialist, democratic and progressive movements, the contagious ideas that are spread by populist demagogues are perceived as the only means for the salvation of societies and populism has become a shelter for people where they can feel safe.
