In a recent episode of In The Market, Dr. Donald Critchlow, a professor at Arizona State University, tackles the surprising popularity of socialism among U.S. youth. He argues that the trend is rooted in a lack of comprehensive history education, which leaves many young people unaware of how 20th‑century revolutions unfolded and what they ultimately became.
What Drives Young Americans Toward Socialism?
Critchlow cites polls showing that more than half of American youth endorse socialism and that a significant minority supports abolishing private property. He asks whether these views arise from a genuine desire for social justice or from a misunderstanding of what socialism entails. The answer, he suggests, lies in the stories that are told—or omitted—about past revolutions.
Learning History: A Missing Piece
During the interview, the professor describes classroom moments where students, even those studying history, have never heard of the fall of the Berlin Wall or the Great Leap Forward. He stresses that history is not a list of dates but a warning system. By teaching the full arc of these revolutions—both the hopes and the horrors—students can recognize when a movement’s rhetoric begins to diverge from its original purpose.
Five Leaders, One Pattern
Critchlow’s book, Revolutionary Monsters, Five Men Who Turned Liberation into Tyranny, profiles Lenin, Mao, Castro, Gaddafi, and Khomeini. He points out that each began with a vision of a perfect society, rose to power through charisma, and then shifted from reform to ruthless control. The pattern, he notes, is not unique to the past; it echoes in contemporary politics where charismatic leaders promise social justice while consolidating power.
Why the Past Matters for Today
The conversation ends with a call to equip young people with a deeper historical perspective. By understanding how revolutionary ideals can morph into tyranny, listeners are encouraged to question movements that promise sweeping change without a clear, accountable plan. The full discussion offers more examples and deeper analysis for those who want to explore the topic further.