New Left

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase),  a radical leftist political movement active especially during the 1960s and 1970s, composed largely of college students and young intellectuals whose goals included racial equality, de-escalation of the arms race, nonintervention in foreign affairs, and other major changes in the political, economic, social, and educational systems.

New Left

noun

1. a loose grouping of left-wing radicals, esp among students, that arose in many countries after 1960

New Left

1. A radical movement of the 1960s and 1970s. New Leftists opposed the military-industrial complex and involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War; they urged more public attention to conditions of black people and the poor. New Leftists were less theoretical than communists and generally did not admire the Soviet Union. But many of them were interested in Maoism, and they spoke strongly for “participatory democracy.” (See sit-ins.)

Other Word Forms

• New Leftist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of New Left¹

First recorded in 1960; phrase apparently introduced by U.S. sociologist C. Wright Mills (1916–62)

Example Sentences

Greece's New Left party said in a statement to state media that Michaloliakos's release was "a serious blow to the collective memory and the struggle for democracy and justice", adding that the justice system "cannot send a message of impunity to those who embodied hatred and fascism".

From BBC

But there are still some who think this new left party could be what Scottish politics needs.

From BBC

In 1968, the Bureau’s “Key Activists” program used IRS returns to neutralize New Left leaders.

From Slate

Losing Wingfield meant finding a new left guard, without many proven options to choose from.

From Los Angeles Times

Daze Aghaji, a 25-year-old environmental activist, says she voted Green in last year's general election but has no strong party allegiance and is interested in the new left wing party being set up by Jeremy Corbyn.

From BBC