From Protest to Power: The Socialist City Test ft. Nick French

About this episode

Adam Proctor talks with Nick French about the rise of democratic socialism at the municipal level and the challenges of governing.

In this week's episode, Adam talks with Jacobin editor and NYC DSA member Nick French about the rise of democratic socialism at the municipal level. Using Zohran Mamdani’s political trajectory as a focal point, they explore how socialist organizers are navigating the shift from insurgent campaigns to the realities of governing. The conversation digs into the evolution of the Democratic Socialists of America, changing electoral strategy on the left, and the tension between movement politics and institutional power. Along the way, they examine the promises — and contradictions — of “municipal socialism,” the role of grassroots organizing, and what it really takes to turn bold demands into durable political change. To hear the entirety of this episode, become a patron of HWDI at https://www.patreon.com/hwdipod ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

People in this episode

Host: Adam

Guest: Nick French

Topics covered

• democratic socialism
• municipal politics
• grassroots organizing
• electoral strategy

Keywords

• socialist organizers
• Zohran Mamdani
• DSA
• movement politics
• institutional power

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: From Protest to Power: The Socialist City Test

Places: NYC

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