Novara Media Downstream: The Right Is Winning. Here’s How We Change That w/ Ash Sarkar
Mar 23, 2026
Ash Sarkar, political activist and author of Minority Rule, talks culture wars, media monopolies and how minority elites shape panic politics. She explores where the right is winning — policy, platforms and elections — and argues for real-life organising, durable institutions and rebuilding majority power through local campaigns and cross-class solidarity.
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Politicians Function As Pundits And Middle Managers
- Modern politicians often act as pundits and middle managers between global capital and the state, constrained by markets and technocratic administration.
- Sarkar uses Keir Starmer and Lord Mandelson as examples of managerialised politics.
Move From Horizontal Online Activism To Organised Leadership
- Reduce online horizontalism and prioritise organisations with leadership and longevity to rebuild effective left politics.
- Sarkar admits her own social media addiction but urges moving from performative online acts to structured organisations.
Build Real Life Organsations Not Just Online Outrage
- Build political activity that meets two tests: puts you in contact with diverse real people and creates institutions that outlive media cycles.
- Sarkar recommends moving beyond horizontal online activism toward enduring organisations or local structures.
