ABSTRACT
In the face of the pessimistic assessment of the recent history of the Left by critical intellectuals and the triumphalist rhetoric of the neoliberal ideologues, it is necessary to reassess the historical trajectory of the radical movement over the last quarter century It is important to do so for several reasons. First, a good deal of the negative appraisals from the Left are largely products of their current predicament—which is read backwards into history In effect, there is a failure of historical memory Second, many leftists have succumbed to the criticism emanating from neoliberal and ex-leftist sources who today command the main cultural outlets, foundations, and research centers. Third, the emergence of NGOs has eclipsed many of the historical transformative organizations of the past, and in their haste to justify their existence, the NGOs have contributed to the negative assessment of past social struggles, analysis, and more important political organizations.
