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{{Hatnote|Not to be confused with [[Bourgeois revolution|bourgeois revolutionism]]}} | {{Hatnote|Not to be confused with [[Bourgeois revolution|bourgeois revolutionism]]}} | ||
[[File:Vaush2021.png|right|thumb|Pseudo-leftist internet personality [[Vaush]] in 2021.]] | [[File:Vaush2021.png|right|thumb|Pseudo-leftist internet personality [[Vaush]] in 2021.]] | ||
'''Radical liberal''' (abbreviated '''radlib''') is a derogatory term most often used by [[Communism|communists]] and [[Revolution|revolutionary]] [[Socialism|socialists]] for [[ | '''Radical liberal''' (abbreviated '''radlib''') is a derogatory term most often used by [[Communism|communists]] and [[Revolution|revolutionary]] [[Socialism|socialists]] for pseudo-[[left]] individuals who, while using some of the aesthetics and terminology of true socialism, advocate [[Liberalism|liberal]] [[reformism]] and other measures which are ultimately of no harm to the [[Capitalism|capitalist]] system. The term particularly applies to [[online]] personalities.<ref>[https://baseandsuperstructure.com/whats-a-radlib/ "What’s a Radlib?"] (May 23 2022). ''Base and Superstructure.'' </ref> | ||
Radical liberals may deny the centrality of [[class struggle]] and instead engage in [[identity opportunism]], failing to apply proper [[intersectionality]]. Similarly, they may fail to understand the systemic nature of [[racism]], [[anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments]], and other forms of bigotry and instead focus on policing individual acts of | Radical liberals may deny the centrality of [[class struggle]] and instead engage in [[identity opportunism]], failing to apply proper [[intersectionality]]. Similarly, they may fail to understand the systemic nature of [[racism]], [[anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments]], and other forms of bigotry and instead focus on policing individual acts of discrimination. | ||
==Instances== | ==Instances== | ||
* Endorsing [[Joe Biden]] during the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020]] and [[2024 United States presidential election|2024]] presidential elections in the [[United States]] as "harm reduction," ignoring the collaboration between the [[Democratic Party (United States|Democrats]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and their shared capitalist interests in [[fascism]]. | * Endorsing [[Joe Biden]] during the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020]] and [[2024 United States presidential election|2024]] presidential elections in the [[United States]] as "harm reduction," ignoring the collaboration between the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and their shared capitalist interests in [[fascism]]. | ||
* Supporting [[Ukraine]] in the context of the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]] instead of advocating [[revolutionary defeatism]]. | * Supporting [[Ukraine]] in the context of the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]] instead of advocating [[revolutionary defeatism]]. | ||
* Calling for more corporate executives to be people of color instead of the abolition of corporate bodies. | * Calling for more corporate executives to be people of color instead of the abolition of corporate bodies. | ||
* Endorsing the [[European Union]] due to its supposed [[internationalism]] while omitting its in-built [[Neoliberalism|neoliberal]] character and failing to perform an economic analysis on its true purpose — unimpeded movement of capital and laborers for the exploitation of Eastern European countries in [[semi-colonial]] relations. | * Endorsing the [[European Union]] due to its supposed [[internationalism]] while omitting its in-built [[Neoliberalism|neoliberal]] character and failing to perform an economic analysis on its true purpose — unimpeded movement of capital and laborers for the exploitation of Eastern European countries in [[semi-colonial]] relations. | ||
* Calling for "defunding" and improvement of superficial regulations of the [[police]] instead of their total abolition. | * Calling for "defunding" and improvement of superficial regulations of the [[police]] instead of their total abolition. | ||
==Relationship to communism== | ==Relationship to communism== | ||
Radical liberals are generally extremely [[anti-communism|anti-communist]], viewing [[Socialist state|socialist states]] as "[[Totalitarianism|totalitarian]]", "[[State capitalism|state capitalist]]", "[[National Bolshevism|red fascist]]", etc. | Radical liberals are generally extremely [[anti-communism|anti-communist]], viewing [[Socialist state|socialist states]] as "[[Totalitarianism|totalitarian]]", "[[State capitalism|state capitalist]]", "[[National Bolshevism|red fascist]]", etc. | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[ | * [[BreadTube]] | ||
* [[Non-communist left]] | * [[Non-communist left]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Reformism]][[Category:Online ideologies]] | [[Category:Reformism]][[Category:Online ideologies]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:15, 7 October 2025
Radical liberal (abbreviated radlib) is a derogatory term most often used by communists and revolutionary socialists for pseudo-left individuals who, while using some of the aesthetics and terminology of true socialism, advocate liberal reformism and other measures which are ultimately of no harm to the capitalist system. The term particularly applies to online personalities.[1]
Radical liberals may deny the centrality of class struggle and instead engage in identity opportunism, failing to apply proper intersectionality. Similarly, they may fail to understand the systemic nature of racism, anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments, and other forms of bigotry and instead focus on policing individual acts of discrimination.
Instances
- Endorsing Joe Biden during the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections in the United States as "harm reduction," ignoring the collaboration between the Democrats and Republicans and their shared capitalist interests in fascism.
- Supporting Ukraine in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian War instead of advocating revolutionary defeatism.
- Calling for more corporate executives to be people of color instead of the abolition of corporate bodies.
- Endorsing the European Union due to its supposed internationalism while omitting its in-built neoliberal character and failing to perform an economic analysis on its true purpose — unimpeded movement of capital and laborers for the exploitation of Eastern European countries in semi-colonial relations.
- Calling for "defunding" and improvement of superficial regulations of the police instead of their total abolition.
Relationship to communism
Radical liberals are generally extremely anti-communist, viewing socialist states as "totalitarian", "state capitalist", "red fascist", etc.
Similar terms
Redlib
Redlib is of similar meaning to radlib but has more an implication of the person in question being a self-declared communist or socialist.
Compatible left
Compatible left is a term which refers to "left" figures who are truly acting in defense of the capitalist system, thus being "compatible" with it.[2][better source needed]
See also
References
- ↑ "What’s a Radlib?" (May 23 2022). Base and Superstructure.
- ↑ Sammy Ismail (March 11 2023). "Hezbollah, Anti-imperialism, and the Compatible Left" Almayadeen.