The Eighties and the Left: An American View

Abstract

The 80s start in an unusual way, unlike the beginnings of the 60s and 70s. Shocks, enormous uncertainties, trouble are expected. Of course, turmoil and surprises marked the two previous decades: the unrest of 1968 and the emergence of OPEC were not minor occurrences. Other decades or eras have begun with false confidence about what would occur in the next years. A few had an air of change about them. But deep disturbances were largely unanticipated. By contrast, all agree that great if unclear difficulties will characterise the 80s.