Charles Flint Kellogg Professor of Politics at Bard College, Omar Encarnación, Published in Foreign Policy
Professor Omar G. Encarnación wrote an article in Foreign Policy comparing the prime ministers of Spain and the UK.
Omar G. Encarnación, the Charles Flint Kellogg professor of politics at Bard College, published an article in Foreign Policy titled "A Tale of Two Socialists: Why Spain’s Sánchez has succeeded while Britain’s Starmer floundered." The article examines and compares the respective prime ministerships of Andy Burnham (and predecessor Keir Starmer) in the UK, and Pedro Sánchez of Spain. Specifically, Encarnación examines how these leaders relate to the political left with which they are associated, in countries that differ significantly in their recent political history. For example, Spain, which is still recovering from decades of mid-20th century fascism, has had only seven national leaders since the fall of Franco in 1978; by contrast, the UK has had six prime ministers since the Brexit vote of 2016.
Encarnación argues, in part, that the effort of UK leaders to find a compromise position on issues such as immigration have left them in an increasingly difficult position of alienation from both the left and right wing within their population and political parties amidst social and economic tumult, particularly at a time when immigration is an acute political issue, whereas Sánchez has bolstered support during a similarly challenging time. Encarnación suggests that the UK leadership may find a useful example and lessons in the example of the UK.
“Luckily for Burnham, his predecessor gave him the gift of an early departure,” writes Encarnación. “Britain’s next elections are not expected until August 2029, which gives him plenty of time to try and right the ship. As he attempts this feat, the so-called ‘King of the North’ would do well to look south for survival strategies.”
Encarnación is the author of Spanish Politics: Democracy after Dictatorship, Democracy Without Justice in Spain: The Politics of Forgetting, and Framing Equality: The Politics of Gay Marriage Wars, among other books. He teaches through Bard's Politics Program, which gives students a well-rounded understanding of political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations, studying the choices we can make as individuals and the fates of communities, nations, and states.
Post Date: 09-23-2026
Encarnación argues, in part, that the effort of UK leaders to find a compromise position on issues such as immigration have left them in an increasingly difficult position of alienation from both the left and right wing within their population and political parties amidst social and economic tumult, particularly at a time when immigration is an acute political issue, whereas Sánchez has bolstered support during a similarly challenging time. Encarnación suggests that the UK leadership may find a useful example and lessons in the example of the UK.
“Luckily for Burnham, his predecessor gave him the gift of an early departure,” writes Encarnación. “Britain’s next elections are not expected until August 2029, which gives him plenty of time to try and right the ship. As he attempts this feat, the so-called ‘King of the North’ would do well to look south for survival strategies.”
Encarnación is the author of Spanish Politics: Democracy after Dictatorship, Democracy Without Justice in Spain: The Politics of Forgetting, and Framing Equality: The Politics of Gay Marriage Wars, among other books. He teaches through Bard's Politics Program, which gives students a well-rounded understanding of political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations, studying the choices we can make as individuals and the fates of communities, nations, and states.
Post Date: 09-23-2026