Research Article

Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum

Volume: 80 Number: 4 December 10, 2025
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Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum

Abstract

Social movements and political parties play pivotal roles in shaping political landscapes. Within established center-left parties, organizations often emerge that blur the lines between internal factions and independent movements. This article examines two prominent contemporary examples: the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) within the context of the US Democratic Party, and Momentum within the UK Labour Party. While such formations have historical precedents, DSA and Momentum exhibit distinct characteristics shaped by recent political shifts, digital mobilization, and their navigation of the space between formalized party structures and grassroots activism. This article aims to characterize the roles, structures, and strategies of these two organizations and analyze the implications they hold for left-wing politics within two Anglo-Saxon countries (USA and UK) where the concept of socialism has historically been marginalized. Adopting a qualitative comparative methodology drawing on organizational documents, secondary academic literature, and media analysis, the research explores how these groups attempt to influence their respective parties while maintaining grassroots energy. The comparative analysis suggests that while facing significant challenges, these hybrid organizations represent a key dynamic in contemporary Western left-wing politics, reflecting tensions between institutional engagement and movement-based mobilization in an era where traditional party models are under pressure.

Keywords

References

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  7. Chienkgul P (2021) Labour under Corbyn: Constraints on radical politics in the UK. Palgrave Macmillan.
  8. Clemens J & Globerman S (2023) New poll reveals 50% of Canadians 18-24 favour socialism, but fewer Canadians willing to pay for it. The Fraser Institute. Available at:https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/perspectives-capitalism-and-socialism-polling-results-canada-united-states-australia-and (Accessed 9 August 2025).

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Comparative Political Movement, Comparative Political Institutions

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

December 3, 2025

Publication Date

December 10, 2025

Submission Date

May 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 13, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 80 Number: 4

APA
Önkibar, E., & İpek, T. T. (2025). Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum. Ankara Üniversitesi SBF Dergisi, 80(4), 729-752. https://doi.org/10.33630/ausbf.1691917
AMA
1.Önkibar E, İpek TT. Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum. SBF Dergisi. 2025;80(4):729-752. doi:10.33630/ausbf.1691917
Chicago
Önkibar, Emre, and Taşkın Toprak İpek. 2025. “Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum”. Ankara Üniversitesi SBF Dergisi 80 (4): 729-52. https://doi.org/10.33630/ausbf.1691917.
EndNote
Önkibar E, İpek TT (December 1, 2025) Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum. Ankara Üniversitesi SBF Dergisi 80 4 729–752.
IEEE
[1]E. Önkibar and T. T. İpek, “Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum”, SBF Dergisi, vol. 80, no. 4, pp. 729–752, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.33630/ausbf.1691917.
ISNAD
Önkibar, Emre - İpek, Taşkın Toprak. “Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum”. Ankara Üniversitesi SBF Dergisi 80/4 (December 1, 2025): 729-752. https://doi.org/10.33630/ausbf.1691917.
JAMA
1.Önkibar E, İpek TT. Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum. SBF Dergisi. 2025;80:729–752.
MLA
Önkibar, Emre, and Taşkın Toprak İpek. “Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum”. Ankara Üniversitesi SBF Dergisi, vol. 80, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 729-52, doi:10.33630/ausbf.1691917.
Vancouver
1.Emre Önkibar, Taşkın Toprak İpek. Between Party and Movement: Democratic Socialists of America and Momentum. SBF Dergisi. 2025 Dec. 1;80(4):729-52. doi:10.33630/ausbf.1691917