Sometimes it’s worth looking in on the philosophical and ideological health on the left wing of the political spectrum. Despite the preponderance of crackpots spouting ludicrous conspiracy theories on the Internet (the right has its own examples of these types as well) one positive indicator seems to have emerged in the form of the Euston Manifesto.

The manifesto consists of 15 principles, outlining what Progressives modern political stances in the West on current issues should consist of while contemplating past missteps. Indeed, the odd bit is that I find myself in agreement with the vast majority of its stances. The only one I disagree with is point 5, on economic development. While there does need to be reform I don’t agree on the basis proposed and that free trade has failed. Nevertheless it is not completely offensive when compared to anti-globalisation and far left and right wing proposals.

The Euston Manifesto is admittedly only a small attempt to try realign Progressive Politics but it should be welcomed: it points to areas of commonality between the moderate left and moderate right when division has seemed more palatable. Unfortunately too many populists and radicals would likely regard such a development that as their respective ideology ‘selling out’, and respond with fervour to stamp it out.

Hat Tip: Foreign Dispatches