Manuel Castells discusses global politics, democracy, and the Spanish left
In a conversation conducted in Madrid, former Universities Minister Manuel Castells reflected on Yolanda Díaz’s Sumar and Podemos, suggesting that without a tactical and united left, the right could prevail. Castells spoke about his experiences during the Pedro Sánchez government, his ties to Podemos, and how the evolving landscape within Sumar and Podemos shapes the party’s trajectory in Spain and beyond. The interview also touches on Castells’ broader observations from his years teaching at Berkeley and his work across the world, including insights into contemporary political shifts in Europe and Latin America. The remarks were recorded in a hotel setting in Madrid as Castells discussed his book Testimonio, a volume that blends personal narrative with analysis of recent political history, and its relevance to current events.
The interviewer asked how Castells’ book can project a sense of global reach. Castells explained that the work mirrors his lifelong habit of gathering knowledge from many places. He described his exile at a young age, the sense of being uprooted, and the drive to understand social change from a global perspective. He noted that the book is not a simple history but a collection of first-person observations aimed at shedding light on events from different regions, including Russia and China, while acknowledging the risk of oversimplification. He emphasized that the world today feels more precarious, with dreams and hopes colliding with harsher realities that history sometimes repeats in troubling ways.
On the question of why the world seems so unsettled, Castells cited ongoing crises such as pandemics, climate change, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the specter of nuclear escalation. He warned against a strategy that could provoke further danger if it corners a leadership like Putin, noting the potential consequences of crossing red lines. The aim, he argued, should be protecting universal values and sovereignty while avoiding actions that could escalate to a broader catastrophe. He suggested that the pursuit of universal harmony and environmental protection could be endangered if crises deepen and diplomatic options shrink.
Spain’s political climate and the tone of public discourse
Castells commented on recent years in Spain, describing a political culture in which heated rhetoric and personal attacks have grown common. He framed this as a decline from the democracy he fought for, with insults dominating debates and a sense that past hopes are fading. He observed that one purpose of his book is to offer lessons for younger generations who will shape the future, emphasizing that youth are central to political progress and social change.
When asked about his experiences in the Senate, Castells recalled moments of humiliation and the feeling that democracy was at risk. He cited the symbolic significance of feminist symbols and the broader struggle for gender and LGBTQI rights as essential components of modern democracy. These battles, he argued, are intertwined with the health of institutions and the willingness of political actors to defend civil rights in the face of backlash.
Regarding the government’s stance on the war in Ukraine, Castells voiced support for European unity and the defense of the European Union while urging a clear commitment to peace. He expressed concerns about inconsistencies within the government and called for a more explicit peaceful approach, arguing that stopping the violence should take precedence over broader ideological debates. He urged the parties to prioritize an end to the massacre and to seek peaceful resolutions that can endure.
For Castells, the challenges in Spain reflect a broader pattern: a left that governs in coalition with reformist aims, and a right that has historically treated state power as its own. He described a political landscape where reforms were pursued rapidly through alliances with new movements, provoking resistance from segments of the old guard and some conservative judges. This dynamic, he suggested, has created a climate of intense political contention that tests the durability of coalition-building across parties and movements.
When asked how he felt about opposition in the Senate, Castells spoke of deep sadness for democracy itself. He argued that the symbolism of female empowerment and LGBTQI rights remains a crucial part of democratic legitimacy, even if some nations struggle to reconcile evolving norms with established institutions. He warned that demonizing reform could undermine democratic resilience and hinder future progress.
On the question of Podemos and Sumar, Castells described a landscape where European values, reformist strategies, and coalition dynamics intersect. He highlighted that while there may be differences in rhythm and emphasis, the essential paths toward social democracy and gradual change commonly unite these groups. He suggested that the main divergence lies in tactical decisions and the distribution of power, rather than fundamental ideological conflict.
Castells spoke about a potential convergence where Yolanda Díaz and Pedro Sánchez could align more closely. He noted his own relationship with key figures, including Díaz and Iglesias, stressing a belief in independence within the broader movement. He recalled that his political experience was shaped by his time in government alongside Pedro Sánchez, describing himself as a social democrat open to the left movement and the possibilities of a broader reformist project.
Finally, Castells spoke about the future of Latin America, remarking on democratization alongside ongoing dictatorship challenges. He pointed to hopes in Brazil under Lula and in Colombia under Petro as signs of positive change, while noting that true democratization requires continued efforts to address inequality and violence. He praised Chile’s recent constitutional process and the careful, deliberate steps endorsed by President Gabriel Boric, arguing that gradual, sustainable progress is essential for lasting political reform. He concluded that social movements remain engines of change, but they must proceed thoughtfully to avoid destabilizing the systems they seek to improve.
In the closing discussion, Castells expressed no belief in stark ideological divides between Podemos and Sumar. He described a political scene where the flow of power and the pace of reform are negotiated within a coalition, with a shared commitment to multidimensional social change even as actors pursue different tactics. He affirmed that strategic collaboration tends to prevail over personal or partisan disputes when there is a common goal, and he urged all actors to resist the impulse toward self-destruction. The central takeaway remains simple: unity on the left, with a clear plan for governance, can secure the gains of a progressive project and protect democracy against the right’s traditional defenses of established power. The insights from this interview offer a lens into Spain’s evolving political future and its echoes in broader European debates about unity, reform, and democracy.
Note: The remarks quoted reflect Castells’ perspectives as shared in this interview and are attributed to the author for clarity and context in discussions about contemporary politics. The assessment is drawn from the interview and Castells’ published work, as reported in the conversation and reception of his book.
Manuel Castells during the interview. jose louis rock