The Politics of Survival in Puerto Rico: The Balance of Forces in the Wake of Hurricane María

Puerto Rico’s left-wing forces have long tried to unify, a goal that has proven difficult reach and even harder sustain. At its strongest, the Left faced intense repression from both United States island’s colonial government. Yet, activists intellectuals agree deeper differences account for collective inability build unity. Historically, in Rico split over national question. Pro-independence groups, arguably largest sector, prioritized decolonization while socialists, feminists, environmentalists proposed broader anti-oppressive praxis centered on social economic issues. Other such as Movimiento Socialista de Trabajadores, do not see these struggles mutually exclusive, calling formation of socialist republic Rico. Today new wave Leftist organizing is emerging, one free traditional Marxist or nationalist dogmas. This Rican justice against colonialism putting greater emphasis gender, sexuality, race. It aims foster young leadership, articulate solidarities, revive practice community organizing. learning errors past picking up sediments previous struggles. if wants remain relevant, it must collaborate with youth, student, community, feminist, farmer, environmental groups are bringing energy island. essay contextualizes relation political economy, identifies Left, reviews their recent history, presents brief analysis influence US politics.