Undercurrents Ep. #10: What can New Zealand learn from Mamdani and the DSA?
Watch the latest episode of Undercurrents on the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America, the return of mass politics, and what it could mean for New Zealand.
Zohran Mamdani’s victory last year as mayor of New York has made him an international political phenomenon.
In New Zealand, much of the attention has focused on Mamdani’s charisma, social media and messaging. But these explanations all miss what may be the most important part of the story: the role of a mass, disciplined political organisation in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Across the United States, DSA candidates are now winning elections backed by an army of committed volunteers, as a once-marginal socialist organisation emerges as an increasingly significant force in American politics.
The DSA’s rise raises big questions that resonate here in New Zealand. Why have progressive governments in recent years struggled to deliver transformational change? What does it take to build political power that lasts beyond a single election? And how can movements hold politicians accountable once they reach office?
In this episode of Undercurrents, former deputy director of the DSA David Duhalde and New Zealand union organiser Justine Sachs join Ollie Neas to discuss Mamdani, movement politics, the lessons of Jacinda Ardern’s government, and what the DSA’s resurgence could mean for New Zealand.
Watch the full conversation below and subscribe to Public Interest for more discussions making sense of politics and power in Aotearoa.
This episode was edited by Gilbert Patten-Elliott. Research by William Bell-Purchas and Hannah Patterson, with thanks to Finn Cordwell.
