Centre-left progressive internationalism offers a viable counter-movement to Trumpism
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/florian-ranft. "The centre left is not dead. A progressive new counter-Trumpian movement is on the way | Florian Ranft | The Guardian." May 4, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author argues that a new progressive movement is rising to challenge Trump-style nationalism by fixing globalization's problems rather than abandoning it. This movement, led by leaders like Spain's Pedro Sánchez, wants to redistribute wealth better, strengthen international rules, and promote peace over conflict.
Conclusion
A new progressive internationalist movement led by figures like Pedro Sánchez is emerging as a viable alternative to both Trumpism and strategic liberalism, capable of rebuilding the rules-based international order
Premises
- Globalisation has failed to deliver for large parts of the population, leaving wages stagnant and inequalities entrenched, which created the conditions for Trump's rise
- The centre-left has lacked a coherent response since the 2008 financial crisis but is now developing one through progressive internationalism
- Progressive internationalism offers a three-pronged approach: redistributing globalisation's gains, reshaping its conditions through stronger institutions, and reasserting peace through diplomacy
- The Barcelona summit demonstrates growing international momentum with over 40 countries participating in this new movement
- Pedro Sánchez is emerging as a charismatic leader who can bridge global north-south divides, similar to historical figures like Willy Brandt and Olof Palme
- The transatlantic alignment of national-populist movements is beginning to fracture, as evidenced by Viktor Orbán's electoral defeat
- This movement addresses legitimacy concerns that strategic liberalism alone cannot solve
Assumptions
- The current international order can be reformed rather than replaced entirely
- Centre-left politics remains relevant and capable of mobilizing popular support
- International cooperation and multilateralism are superior to nationalist approaches
- Economic inequality is a primary driver of political instability and populist backlash
- Historical precedents from the 1970s-80s provide a viable model for contemporary progressive internationalism