Toward a Postindustrial Left in Spain: Political Parties and Social Movements Facing the Collapse of Civilization

Abstract

Industrial civilization is headed for a collapse due to an energy crash. Are the social movements and the new political parties in Spain aware of this serious predicament? The author takes a look at recent political developments in Spain since the emergence of the Indignados Movement and the subsequent creation of the Podemos political party. He asks whether they are basing their analysis and proposals on a business-as-usual world that is no longer feasible, or on account of the collapse. If the answer is the latter, then they must re-invent themselves as a “post-industrial left.” The author also highlights the central role that ecofeminism plays in this renovation, along with some recent steps taken by various Spanish political parties and leaders in that direction.