Hey guys! Let's dive into the fascinating story of the New Left Review (NLR), a journal that has significantly shaped left-wing intellectual thought for decades. Understanding its history is crucial for anyone interested in political theory, sociology, and the evolution of leftist ideas. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

The Genesis of the New Left Review

The New Left Review emerged in 1960 from a merger of two British socialist journals: The New Reasoner and Universities and Left Review. These journals were themselves products of the disillusionment with both traditional social democracy and orthodox communism, particularly after the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956. The intellectual climate of the late 1950s was ripe for a new kind of left-wing politics, one that could distance itself from the perceived failures of the old guard. Key figures in this early period included E.P. Thompson, Stuart Hall, and Charles Taylor, who sought to create a space for rigorous intellectual debate and theoretical innovation.

The initial aim of the New Left Review was to develop a socialist alternative that was both intellectually robust and politically relevant. The founders were critical of the Labour Party's increasing moderation and its perceived abandonment of socialist principles. They also rejected the dogmatic approach of the Communist Party, which they saw as stifling intellectual inquiry and political creativity. The journal, therefore, positioned itself as a forum for exploring new ideas and strategies for achieving social justice and equality.

One of the early challenges for the New Left Review was defining its relationship to Marxism. While many of its contributors were influenced by Marxist thought, they were also critical of its more deterministic and economistic tendencies. They sought to develop a more nuanced and culturally sensitive Marxism that could account for the complexities of contemporary society. This involved engaging with a wide range of intellectual traditions, including existentialism, phenomenology, and structuralism. The journal quickly became known for its commitment to theoretical rigor and its willingness to challenge established orthodoxies.

The First Phase: 1960-1968

During its first phase, from 1960 to 1968, the New Left Review played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the British New Left. It published influential essays on a wide range of topics, including class structure, culture, and politics. The journal was particularly interested in exploring the relationship between culture and power, and it devoted considerable attention to the study of media, popular culture, and ideology. Key figures during this period included Raymond Williams, whose work on culture and society had a profound impact on the journal's intellectual direction.

The New Left Review also played a crucial role in introducing continental European thought to the English-speaking world. It published translations of key works by thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Louis Althusser. These translations helped to stimulate intellectual debate and to broaden the horizons of the British left. The journal's engagement with continental theory was not without its critics, however. Some argued that it led to an excessive emphasis on theory at the expense of practical politics. Others worried that it would alienate the journal from its working-class readership.

Despite these criticisms, the New Left Review continued to thrive during the 1960s. It attracted a wide range of contributors, including academics, journalists, and activists. It also developed a distinctive editorial style, characterized by its commitment to intellectual rigor and its willingness to engage with controversial issues. The journal's impact on the British left was undeniable. It helped to create a new intellectual space for socialist thought, and it played a crucial role in shaping the political consciousness of a generation.

The Second Phase: Perry Anderson and Beyond

In 1968, Perry Anderson took over as editor, marking a significant shift in the journal's direction. Anderson, a brilliant intellectual with a deep knowledge of European history and social theory, brought a new level of theoretical sophistication to the New Left Review. Under his leadership, the journal became more explicitly Marxist in its orientation, and it began to engage more systematically with the work of theorists such as Louis Althusser, Antonio Gramsci, and Jürgen Habermas.

Anderson's editorship was characterized by a commitment to historical analysis and a concern with the long-term dynamics of capitalist development. The New Left Review published a series of influential essays on topics such as the rise of the capitalist state, the history of European fascism, and the crisis of the welfare state. The journal also devoted considerable attention to the study of Third World politics, and it published important work on the anti-colonial movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

One of the key developments during this period was the New Left Review's engagement with structuralist Marxism. Louis Althusser's ideas had a profound impact on the journal's intellectual direction, and his emphasis on the importance of theory and ideology resonated with Anderson's own intellectual inclinations. The New Left Review became a leading forum for the dissemination and discussion of Althusserian ideas in the English-speaking world. This involved a commitment to rigorous theoretical analysis and a rejection of empiricism and common sense.

Under Anderson, the New Left Review also became more international in its scope. It established close relationships with intellectuals and activists around the world, and it published translations of key works from a wide range of languages. The journal played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and debate between different strands of left-wing thought. Despite its intellectual rigor and its international scope, the New Left Review remained committed to its original goal of developing a socialist alternative that was both intellectually robust and politically relevant.

Recent Developments and Current Trajectory

In recent years, the New Left Review has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing political and intellectual landscape. While remaining committed to its core principles, the journal has broadened its focus to include new topics and perspectives. It has devoted considerable attention to issues such as globalization, climate change, and the rise of populism. The New Left Review has also sought to engage with new intellectual currents, such as postcolonial theory and critical race theory.

The journal has continued to attract a wide range of contributors, including both established scholars and emerging intellectuals. It has also maintained its commitment to publishing high-quality translations of key works from around the world. The New Left Review remains a vital forum for left-wing intellectual debate, and it continues to play a crucial role in shaping the political consciousness of a new generation.

One of the key challenges facing the New Left Review today is the fragmentation of the left. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of neoliberalism have led to a crisis of confidence in traditional socialist ideas. The journal has sought to respond to this challenge by developing new theoretical frameworks and political strategies. It has also emphasized the importance of building alliances between different social movements, such as the labor movement, the environmental movement, and the anti-globalization movement.

The New Left Review has also sought to engage with the rise of new forms of media and communication. It has established a strong online presence, and it has used social media to reach a wider audience. The journal has also experimented with new formats, such as podcasts and video interviews. Despite these changes, the New Left Review remains committed to its original mission of providing a space for rigorous intellectual debate and political analysis.

Impact and Legacy

The New Left Review's impact on left-wing thought is undeniable. It has shaped generations of intellectuals and activists, and it has played a crucial role in shaping the debates on the left. The journal's commitment to intellectual rigor, its willingness to challenge established orthodoxies, and its international scope have made it a unique and influential voice in the world of political thought.

The New Left Review has also been a training ground for many leading intellectuals. Many of its former editors and contributors have gone on to have distinguished careers in academia, journalism, and politics. The journal has also played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and debate between different strands of left-wing thought. It has provided a space for Marxists, socialists, feminists, and environmentalists to come together and exchange ideas.

Of course, the New Left Review has also faced its share of criticism. Some have argued that it is too academic and theoretical, and that it has lost touch with the concerns of ordinary people. Others have criticized its elitist tone and its perceived lack of engagement with practical politics. Despite these criticisms, the New Left Review remains a vital resource for anyone interested in left-wing thought. Its archive of articles and essays provides a rich source of information and analysis on a wide range of topics. The journal's commitment to intellectual rigor and its willingness to challenge established orthodoxies make it an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of the modern world.

In conclusion, the New Left Review stands as a testament to the enduring power of intellectual inquiry and political commitment. Its history is a reflection of the changing fortunes of the left, and its future will depend on its ability to adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Whether you agree with its politics or not, the New Left Review is a journal that deserves to be taken seriously. Its contribution to left-wing thought is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to shape the debates on the left for many years to come. So, go ahead and explore its archives—you might just find something that changes the way you think about the world!