CounterPunch Exclusives

CounterPunch Exclusives

Cooperation vs. Authoritarianism in Spain

Photograph Source: dronepicr – Aerial view of Barcelona, Spain – CC BY 2.0

Spain is home to some of the world’s largest and most successful worker-owned co-ops, but you might be surprised to learn that these businesses formed under dictatorship. During and after Spain’s brutal civil war, particularly hard-hit areas survived repression thanks to cooperation and local self-reliance. Some endured decades of authoritarian rule and in so doing built an economy — and a culture — that is fundamentally collaborative, caring, and connected to community.

As the U.S. faces its own authoritarian regime, there’s much to learn from Spain’s co-ops. That’s why we’re........

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