"In this latest volume, Reed begins with a consideration of the theoretical and practical effect of the decline of the American left over at least that last two decades. First, he outlines the sources and consequences of what he characterizes as the main manifestations of a defeated and demoralized activist politics - sectarianism and the often solipsistic approaches of identity politics. He then argues forcefully for the centrality of class-based political interpretation and action as the indispensable foundation for any progressive movement that can hope to succeed in the United States."--BOOK JACKET.