Ben Burgis Argues Against Leftist Maximalism in New Jacobin Piece

Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University, recently highlighted a new article by Ben Burgis for Jacobin magazine, titled "The Point of Politics Is to Convince People, Not Grandstand." Al-Gharbi shared the piece on X, stating, "The latest by @BenBurgis for @jacobin is a nice chaser here." The article, published on August 21, 2025, critiques certain tendencies within the contemporary Left, advocating for a more pragmatic approach to political engagement.

Burgis, a Jacobin columnist and adjunct philosophy professor at Rutgers University, argues that a segment of the Left has become overly focused on demonstrating radical bona fides to each other rather than effectively persuading the broader public. He contends that this internal competition, often expressed through "maximalist slogans" like "police abolition" or "abolishing the family," can alienate potential allies and hinder the movement's goals.

The article differentiates between "maximum" programs, which are ambitious long-term goals like collective ownership, and "minimum" programs, which involve immediate, achievable reforms under capitalism such as universal healthcare. Burgis emphasizes that while long-term visions are important, socialists must engage in mass politics by identifying demands that appeal to the majority and build broader coalitions. He cites examples like Medicare for All as a strategic short-term goal that can shift power dynamics.

Burgis warns against using slogans that are "misleading and deeply alienating" to the average listener, suggesting that such rhetoric can be counterproductive. He posits that politics should be about collective action and tangible change, not merely about expressing extreme positions for internal validation.

Musa al-Gharbi, known for his work on social phenomena including inequality and "wokeness," is the author of the 2024 book We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite. His endorsement of Burgis's piece underscores a broader discussion within intellectual circles about effective strategies for social and political change. Burgis's argument calls for a re-evaluation of how leftist ideas are communicated and implemented to achieve wider societal impact.