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Socialist International
Red Rose (Socialism).svg
Socialist International logo
Parties of Socialist International.svg
Light red: Countries with a political party affiliated with the Socialist International
Dark red: Countries with the ruling party affiliated with the Socialist International
Abbreviation SI
Predecessor Labour and Socialist International
Formation 3 June 1951; 74 years ago (1951-06-03)
Type International non-governmental organization
Purpose "Strengthen relations between the affiliated parties and to coordinate their political attitudes and activities"
Location
Region served
 Worldwide
Membership
 119 political parties and 13 affiliated organizations
President
 Pedro Sánchez
Secretary General
 Chantal Kambiwa
Main organ
 Congress of the Socialist International
Secessions Progressive Alliance
Budget
 £1.4 million (2014)
Website socialistinternational.org


The Socialist International (SI) is a global group of political parties. These parties aim to create a society based on democratic socialism. This means they want a fair society where everyone has a say and important services are available to all. Most of its members are social-democratic parties and worker organizations.

The SI was formed in 1951. It followed an older group called the Labour and Socialist International. But its roots go back even further, to the late 1800s. Today, the SI has 132 member parties and organizations from over 100 countries. Many of its member parties have been in charge of governments, especially in Europe. In 2013, some parties left the SI to form a new group called the Progressive Alliance.

The current leader of the SI is Pedro Sánchez, who is also the prime minister of Spain. The Secretary General is Chantal Kambiwa from Ghana. Both were chosen at the SI Congress in Madrid in November 2022.

A Look Back: Early Worker Groups

The First and Second Internationals (1864–1916)

The very first international group for workers was called the International Workingmen's Association. People also called it the First International. It started in London in 1864. This group brought together different socialist, communist, and anarchist groups, along with trade unions. They all wanted to improve life for working people. However, disagreements between different groups led to its end in 1876.

Later, the Second International was formed in Paris in 1889. This was a group of socialist parties. But when World War I started, members had different ideas about the war. These differences caused the Second International to break up in 1916.

The Labour and Socialist International (1919–1940)

After World War I, some parties wanted to restart the Second International. They formed the International Socialist Commission (ISC) in 1919. At the same time, Communist parties created their own group, the Communist International (Comintern).

Some parties didn't want to join either of these groups. So, they formed the International Working Union of Socialist Parties (IWUSP) in 1921. Eventually, the ISC and the IWUSP decided to join forces. They created the Labour and Socialist International (LSI) in 1923. This group lasted until 1940. The rise of groups like the Nazis and the start of World War II led to its end.

The Socialist International (1951–Present)

The Socialist International was officially formed in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1951. It was created to continue the work of the LSI.

After World War II, the SI helped social democratic parties. These parties were trying to rebuild their countries after dictatorships. For example, it helped in Portugal (1974) and Spain (1975). Before 1976, most SI members were from Europe. But then it started to include more parties from Latin America.

In the 1980s, many SI parties supported the Nicaraguan Sandinistas. This was a left-wing government in Nicaragua. The United States tried to overthrow it, which led to the Iran–Contra affair.

WillyBrandtBerntCarlssonPenttiVäänänen
Willy Brandt with outgoing secretary general Bernt Carlsson (left) and new secretary general Pentti Väänänen (right) at the Socialist International Congress in 1983

During the Cold War, the SI talked a lot with the United States and the Soviet Union. They discussed how to improve relations and control weapons. The SI supported agreements that aimed for peace and disarmament. Leaders like Kalevi Sorsa, the Prime Minister of Finland, led these talks. They met with US Presidents and Soviet leaders.

Since then, the SI has welcomed many more parties from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

In 2011, the SI removed some ruling parties from its membership. These parties were from countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Ivory Coast. They were removed because they were long-term ruling parties in one-party states. These governments were overthrown during the Arab Spring protests.

A New Group: The Progressive Alliance (2013)

In 2013, a new group called the Progressive Alliance was formed. It was started by the Social Democratic Party of Germany and other parties. They felt that the SI was not democratic enough or was old-fashioned. They also didn't like that the SI still included some undemocratic political groups.

After 2012, many large European parties either left the SI or became "observer" members. These parties now work more closely with the Progressive Alliance. The SI now focuses more on countries in the "global south" (Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia).

The SI and Latin America

For a long time, the Socialist International didn't pay much attention to Latin America. They saw it as an area mainly influenced by the United States. For example, they didn't speak out against the overthrow of Guatemala's socialist president in 1954.

But after the 1973 Chilean coup d'état, things changed. The SI started to support left-wing groups in Latin America. They backed the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. They also supported movements in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. These groups were fighting against dictatorships that the US supported.

In the 1990s, some non-socialist parties joined the SI. They saw the economic power of European countries led by SI partners. They hoped to gain benefits from these connections. However, some critics said the SI became too focused on connections rather than its original goals. Many left-wing parties that came to power in Latin America in the 2000s chose to stay separate from the SI.

The logo of the Socialist International is the fist and rose. This design is based on a logo created in 1977 for the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party. Many parties that are members of the SI use similar versions of this emblem.

Leaders of the Socialist International

Presidents

As of 2023, there have been nine presidents of the Socialist International.

# Name Portrait Country Presidency

start date

 Presidency

end date

 Time in office
1 Morgan Phillips (1902–1963)  United Kingdom Labour Party 1951 1957 6 years
2 Alsing Andersen (1893–1962) Alsing Andersen.jpg  Denmark Social Democratic Party of Denmark 1957 1962 5 years
3 Erich Ollenhauer (1901–1963) Bundesarchiv Bild 183-21272-0001, Erich Ollenhauer.jpg  West Germany Social Democratic Party of Germany 1963
4 Bruno Pittermann (1905–1983) Bruno Pittermann.jpg  Austria Social Democratic Party of Austria 1964 1976 12 years
5 Willy Brandt (1913–1992) Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F057884-0009, Willy Brandt.jpg  West Germany Social Democratic Party of Germany 1976 1992 16 years
6 Pierre Mauroy (1928–2013) Pierre Mauroy 1990.jpg  France Socialist Party of France 17 September 1992 10 November 1999 7 years, 54 days
7 António Guterres (born 1949) António Guterres crop.jpg  Portugal Socialist Party of Portugal 10 November 1999 15 June 2005 5 years, 217 days
8 George Papandreou
(born 1952)		 George Papandreou (junior).jpg  Greece PASOK / KIDISO 30 January 2006 25 November 2022 16 years, 300 days
9 Pedro Sánchez
(born 1972)		 Pedro Sánchez in 2022.jpg  Spain Spanish Socialist Workers' Party 25 November 2022 Incumbent 2 years, 221 days

Honorary Presidents

These are people who have been given the title of honorary president.

Secretaries General

The Secretary General manages the daily work of the SI.

  • Julius Braunthal, Austria (1951–1956)
  • Bjarne Braatoy, Norway (1956–1957)
  • Albert Carthy, United Kingdom (1957–1969)
  • Hans Janitschek, Austria (1969–1976)
  • Bernt Carlsson, Sweden (1976–1983)
  • Pentti Väänänen, Finland (1983–1989)
  • Luis Ayala, Chile (1989–2022)
  • Benedicta Lasi, Ghana (2022–2024)
  • Chantal Kambiwa, Ghana (2024– )

SI Meetings Around the World

The Socialist International holds regular meetings called Summits or Congresses. Here are some of the places they have met:

Who Are the Members?

The Socialist International has different types of members: full members, consultative parties, and observer parties.

Full Members

There are 92 full member parties. These parties are deeply involved in the SI's work.

Country Name Government Status Notes
 Albania Socialist Party of Albania in government Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Algeria Socialist Forces Front in opposition Joined as a full member in 1996.
 Andorra Social Democratic Party in opposition Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Angola Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola in government Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Argentina Radical Civic Union in opposition Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Armenia Armenian Revolutionary Federation in opposition Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Belarus Belarusian Social Democratic Party extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2015.
 Belgium Socialist Party junior party in coalition
 Bolivia National Unity Front extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2017.
 Bosnia and Herzegovina Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina in government Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Brazil Democratic Labour Party in government Joined as a full member in 1989.
 Bulgaria Party of Bulgarian Social Democrats extra-parliamentary
Bulgarian Socialist Party in opposition Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Burkina Faso People's Movement for Progress extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2016.
 Cameroon Social Democratic Front in opposition Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Cape Verde African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde in opposition Joined as a full member in 1996.
 Central African Republic Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People MLPC in opposition Joined as a full member in 2018.
 Chad National Union for Democracy and Renewal UNDR extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2017.
 Chile Party for Democracy junior party in coalition Joined as a full member in 1996.
Radical Party of Chile junior party in coalition
Socialist Party of Chile junior party in coalition Joined as a full member in 1996.
 Colombia Colombian Liberal Party junior party in coalition Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Costa Rica National Liberation Party in opposition Full member since 1987.
 Croatia Social Democratic Party of Croatia in opposition Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Cyprus EDEK Socialist Party in opposition Full member since 1987.
Cyprus Northern Cyprus Cyprus (North) Republican Turkish Party in opposition Joined as a full member in 2014.
Communal Democracy Party extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2017.
 Czech Republic Social Democracy in opposition
 Democratic Republic of the Congo Union for Democracy and Social Progress UDPS in government Joined as an observer member in 2003.
 Dominican Republic Dominican Revolutionary Party in opposition Full member since 1987.
 Equatorial Guinea Convergence for Social Democracy extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Finland Social Democratic Party of Finland in opposition
 France Socialist Party in opposition
 Ghana National Democratic Congress in opposition Joined as a full member in 2008.
 Greece PASOK – Movement for Change in opposition Full member since 1990.
 Guatemala National Unity of Hope in opposition Joined as a full member in 2008.
 Guinea Rally of the Guinean People in opposition Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Haiti Fusion of Haitian Social Democrats extra-parliamentary Full member since 1989.
Social Democratic Assembly for the Progress of Haiti (RSD) RSD extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2018.
 Hungary Hungarian Socialist Party in opposition Joined as a full member in 1996.
 India Indian National Congress in opposition Rejoined as a full member in 2014.
 Iraq Patriotic Union of Kurdistan junior party in coalition Joined as a full member in 2008.
 Israel Meretz extra-parliamentary
 Italy Italian Socialist Party extra-parliamentary
 Jamaica People's National Party in opposition Full member since 1952.
 Japan Social Democratic Party in opposition Full member since 1951.
 Kazakhstan Nationwide Social Democratic Party in opposition Joined as a full member in 2015.
 Kyrgyzstan Social Democrats (Kyrgyzstan) in opposition Successor to a previous member party.
 Lebanon Progressive Socialist Party in opposition Full member since 1980.
 Lithuania Social Democratic Party of Lithuania in opposition Full member since the 1990s.
 Luxembourg Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party style="background: #FFD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="partial table-partial"|in opposition Full member since 1951.
 Mali Alliance for Democracy in Mali in opposition Joined as a full member in 1999.
Rally for Mali in opposition Joined as a consultative member in 2003.
 Mauritania Rally of Democratic Forces extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2008.
 Mauritius Labour Party in opposition Full member since 1969.
Mauritian Militant Movement in opposition Joined as a full member in 2003.
Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico Institutional Revolutionary Party in opposition Joined as a full member in 2003.
Flag of Moldova.svg Moldova European Social Democratic Party extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2012.
 Mongolia Mongolian People's Party in government Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Montenegro Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro in opposition Joined as a full member in 2008.
Social Democratic Party of Montenegro extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Morocco Socialist Union of Popular Forces in opposition Joined as a full member in 1992.
 Mozambique Frelimo Party in government Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Namibia South West Africa People's Organisation in government Joined as a full member in 2008.
 Nepal Nepali Congress in opposition Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Niger Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism in opposition Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Pakistan Pakistan Peoples Party junior party in coalition Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Palestine Fatah in government Joined as a full member in 2012.
 Panama Democratic Revolutionary Party in government Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Paraguay Progressive Democratic Party extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2015.
 Peru Peruvian Aprista Party extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Philippines Philippine Democratic Socialist Party PDSP extra-parliamentary Reinstated in 2019.
 Portugal Socialist Party in government
 Puerto Rico Puerto Rican Independence Party in opposition Joined as a full member in 1992.
 Romania Social Democratic Party in government Joined as a full member in 1999.
 San Marino Party of Socialists and Democrats junior partner in coalition Full member since 1980.
 Senegal Socialist Party of Senegal junior partner in coalition Full member since the 1970s.
 Slovakia Direction – Social Democracy in government Full member.
 South Africa African National Congress in government Joined as a full member in 1999.
 Spain Spanish Socialist Workers' Party in government Full member since 1951.
 Tunisia Democratic Forum for Labour and Liberties N/A Joined as a full member in 2012.
 Turkey Republican People's Party in opposition Took another party's place in 1995.
 Uruguay New Space in opposition Joined as a full member in 2003.
 Venezuela A New Era extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2015.
Democratic Action in opposition Full member since the mid-1980s.
Popular Will extra-parliamentary Joined as a full member in 2014.
 Yemen Yemeni Socialist Party in opposition Joined as a full member in 2012.

Consultative Parties

There are 19 consultative parties. These parties are working towards full membership.

Country Name Government Status Notes
 Botswana Botswana Democratic Party in government Joined as a consultative member in 2014.
 Democratic Republic of the Congo Unified Lumumbist Party PALU in opposition Joined as a consultative member in 2019.
 Djibouti Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development MRD N/A Joined as consultative members in 2019.
 Eswatini People's United Democratic Movement PUDEMO N/A Joined as a consultative member in 2013. Political parties are not allowed in Eswatini.
 Gabon Gabonese Progress Party PGP N/A Joined as a consultative member in 1996.
 Gambia United Democratic Party UDP in opposition Joined as a consultative member in 2012.
 Georgia Social Democrats for the Development of Georgia SDD extra-parliamentary Joined as a consultative member in 2013.
 Ghana Convention People's Party CPP extra-parliamentary Joined as a consultative member in 2018.
 Guinea-Bissau African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde PAIGC in opposition Joined as a consultative member in 2008.
 Iran Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan PDKI N/A Joined as a consultative member in 2008. This party is banned in Iran.
Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan KPIK N/A Joined as a consultative member in 2018. This party is banned in Iran.
 Palestine Palestinian National Initiative PNI in opposition Joined as a consultative member in 2012.
Palestinian Popular Struggle Front PPSF junior partner in coalition Joined as a consultative member in 2018.
 Sahrawi Republic Polisario Front POLISARIO in government Joined as a consultative member in 2017.
 São Tomé and Príncipe Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe/Social Democratic Party MLSTP/PSD in opposition Joined as a consultative member in 2013.
 Syria Democratic Union Party PYD extra-parliamentary opposition Joined as a consultative member in 2015.
 Togo Democratic Convention of African Peoples CDPA extra-parliamentary opposition Joined as a consultative member in 1999.
 Ukraine Social Democratic Party of Ukraine SDPU extra-parliamentary opposition Joined as a consultative member in 2003.

Observer Parties

There are eight observer parties. These parties are new to the SI or have a less active role.

Country Name Government Status Notes
 Eswatini Swazi Democratic Party SWADEPA N/A Joined as an observer member in 2014.
 Ireland Labour Party in opposition
 Kenya Labour Party of Kenya Joined as an observer member in 2012.
 Kosovo Vetëvendosje VV in government Joined as an observer member in 2018.
 Lesotho Lesotho Congress for Democracy LCD junior party in coalition Joined as an observer member in 2014.
 Serbia Social Democratic Party of Serbia SDPS junior party in coalition Joined as an observer member in 2018.
 Somaliland Justice and Welfare Party JWP in opposition Joined as an observer member in 2013.
 United Kingdom Labour Party in opposition A member since 1951. Changed to observer status in 2013 due to ethical concerns and to explore new ways of working with other groups.
 United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) Social Democratic and Labour Party SDLP in opposition Joined as a full member in 1974.

Groups Connected to the SI

The Socialist International also works with other organizations. These are called fraternal or associated organizations.

Fraternal Organizations

  • International Falcon Movement – Socialist Educational International
  • Socialist International Women

Associated Organizations

  • Arab Social Democratic Forum, ASDF
  • Euro-Latin American Forum of Progressive and Socialist Parliamentarians
  • International Federation of the Socialist and Democratic Press
  • International Jewish Labor Bund
  • International Labour Sports Confederation
  • International League of Religious Socialists
  • International Social Democratic Union for Education
  • World Labour Zionist Movement, WLZM
  • National Democratic Institute
  • Party of European Socialists
  • Social Democratic Group of the Latin American Parliament

See also

Other Left-wing International Groups

Here are some other international groups that share similar goals, listed by when they were formed and their main ideas:

United Left Wing
  • International Workingmen's Association, the First International (1864–1876)
Anarchist Groups
  • International Anarchist Congresses: These groups were part of the First International at first. Later groups include:
    • International Working People's Association, sometimes called the "Black" International (1881-1887)
    • International Workers' Association (started 1922) and the International of Anarchist Federations (started 1968).
Socialist & Labour Groups
  • Second International (1889–1916)
  • Berne International (started 1919)
  • International Working Union of Socialist Parties (IWUSP), also known as the 2½ International (1921-1923)
  • Labour and Socialist International (1923-1940), formed by combining the Vienna and Berne Internationals.
Communist Groups
  • Communist International, also known as the Third International or Comintern (1919-1943)
Trotskyist Groups
  • Fourth International (1938-1953 split)
  • Fourth International (post-reunification) (since 1963)
Democratic Socialism
  • Socialist International (started 1951)
Efforts to Reunite
  • Fifth International, a term for groups hoping to create a new worldwide workers' international.
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