While the American left and right have always had plenty of disagreements, they usually were hashed out within the framework of America's democratic system. However, a theory has emerged that challenges this traditional understanding of political ideology, known as the horseshoe theory.
This is the season for columnists to offer some new idea that encapsulates the year that was. I got nothing. But 2023 was the year I finally delved into the fascinating world of the horseshoe theory and discovered its implications on contemporary politics.
The nonsense of the 'horseshoe theory' — socialists are the only real, consistent opponents of the far-right. This theory suggests that the political spectrum is not a simple left-right continuum but instead shaped like a horseshoe, where the far-left and far-right ideologies converge.
Sometimes,” I said, “it feels like everything in this country is three-steps-forward, two-steps-back.” Aaron* agreed. This sentiment reflects the idea that while the left and right may seem oppositional, there are instances where their extremist factions share common ground.
How to name the rude currents eroding the Left, those which have claimed the hearts, minds and Substacks of so many former friends and... The horseshoe theory sheds light on the erosion of the left, as some former left-wing individuals find themselves aligning with right-wing ideologies.
The horseshoe theory of politics posits that the political spectrum isn't a left-right continuum but is instead shaped like a horseshoe, with the far-left and far-right ideologies closer together than previously thought.
Cartoons. Horseshoe theory. Newsletter sign up Newsletter. Political Cartoon. (Image credit: Bill Bramhall / Copyright 2023 Tribune Content... The accompanying image depicts a political cartoon illustrating the concept of the horseshoe theory, with the far-left and far-right coming together on one side of the horseshoe.
Like most people who opine about politics and policy, I routinely talk in terms of left versus right. But when I do, I sometimes encounter... The author acknowledges the common tendency to simplify politics into left versus right, but recognizes the complexity revealed by the horseshoe theory.
Photo: AP Images. T. here are more similarities between Democratic presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK) and Donald Trump than... The comparison between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump highlights the potential parallels between the far-left and far-right, as suggested by the horseshoe theory.
