Newsweek has reported that members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) international committee have engaged in building relationships with officials from the Chinese Communist Party, agreeing to adopt pro-China positions. According to internal documents cited by Newsweek, Chinese officials expressed interest in working with the DSA, and there were discussions within the group about how to portray China’s government positively. Jodie Evans, co-founder of Code Pink and organizer of its China is Not Our Enemy campaign, was reportedly involved in these conversations.
The political stance of the DSA has drawn renewed attention following Zohran Mamdani’s election as mayor of New York City. The organization is considered by some analysts to be more radical than commonly understood. ABC News reported in November 2025 that experts argue the DSA’s platform is far removed from historical examples of socialism such as those seen in the Soviet Union or Cuba. Carlo Invernizzi Accetti, a professor at City University of New York, stated: “the core of democratic socialism is precisely to distinguish itself from communism.”
Historically, anti-communism was central to DSA founder Michael Harrington’s beliefs, and the group initially adhered to this position after it was established in 1982. Historian Harvey Klehr noted in 1988 that the DSA had “vigorously and continuously denounced Marxism-Leninism and those regimes founded on its principles.” However, recent developments indicate a shift toward more radical positions.
The DSA’s direction changed notably after the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. At its 2025 national convention, delegates approved a resolution titled “For a Fighting Anti-Zionist DSA,” expressing support for “the Palestinian cause” and allowing for expulsion of members who publicly opposed this stance or said phrases like “Israel has a right to defend itself.” Michael Harrington had been supportive of Israel during his tenure.
Internationally, the DSA’s alignment has moved closer to governments described as politically repressive. Alongside interactions with China’s ruling party, its international committee runs a Cuba Solidarity Working Group supporting an independent socialist Cuba against U.S. actions and has sent delegations there.
Within its leadership structure—the National Political Committee (NPC), elected every two years—many members are associated with caucuses advocating revolutionary communist ideologies. For example:
– Three or four NPC members are linked to Red Star caucus, which supports abolishing capitalism through revolution.
– Three NPC members belong to Marxist Unity Group, which advocates overthrowing constitutional governance via working-class revolution.
– Two represent Reform & Revolution caucus rooted in Bolshevik traditions.
– Four were elected from Springs of Revolution—a movement focused on transforming DSA into a mass revolutionary force with strong pro-Palestinian advocacy.
The Capital Research Center commented in 2023 that “the name ‘Democratic Socialists of America’ might have become a Holy Roman Empire-style misnomer,” suggesting that neither democracy nor American identity may accurately describe today’s organization.
With nearly 95,000 claimed members—including elected officials at various levels—the current ideological makeup and activities signal significant changes from earlier iterations of the group.
