U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez delivered a forceful call for international progressive cooperation during a high-profile visit to Germany, telling students that confronting rising authoritarianism requires a united global movement rooted in working-class solidarity.
Speaking to more than 1,000 students at TU Berlin over the weekend, the New York Democrat warned that political cynicism and economic inequality are fueling right-wing populism worldwide — and argued that progressives must respond with a shared strategy.
“We stand with vulnerable communities not simply because it is morally right,” she said. “We stand with them because it is strategic — because we are united as a class and we will not be divided within our class.”
Her remarks came as observers increasingly view the overseas trip as part of a broader effort to raise her global profile ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid in the United States.
A Global Stage for a Rising Figure
Ocasio-Cortez’s visit received the kind of attention often reserved for heads of state, reflecting her growing influence within progressive political circles both at home and abroad.
During her time in Germany, she reportedly met with leaders of left-leaning political parties to discuss shared messaging on economic justice, workers’ rights, and democratic institutions. Analysts say such outreach could strengthen her position if she ultimately enters the next presidential race.
Many political strategists believe that building relationships with international allies could help position her as a stark alternative to former President Donald Trump, whose foreign policy critics say strained U.S. alliances.
Warning Against Cynicism
Throughout her speech, Ocasio-Cortez repeatedly stressed what she described as the dangers of political disengagement, particularly among young people.
“The most consequential decision I made was resisting cynicism,” she told the audience, recounting her early experiences as a working-class student supporting her family after her father’s death. “Even if it seems impossible to change the system, life is better when you try.”
She urged students to recognize the power of small actions in driving broader political change, arguing that many major movements began as modest grassroots efforts.
“There is no organizing too small,” she said. “We are all drops that, when combined, make an ocean.”
Linking Economic Conditions to Political Extremism
Ocasio-Cortez also offered a detailed analysis of the global rise of authoritarian politics, attributing much of it to economic stagnation among working-class populations.
“When growth benefits only elites while everyday people struggle, that creates the conditions for populist movements,” she said. “The question is whether those movements tell the truth about inequality — or distract by blaming the vulnerable.”
She argued that progressive leaders must frame economic injustice as a systemic class issue rather than cultural conflict.
Growing Political Momentum
Her appearance in Germany comes at a moment of heightened speculation about her political future. With strong support among younger voters and a national progressive base, some analysts say she could emerge as a formidable Democratic contender in 2028.
If that occurs, political observers note, her growing international network could further amplify her influence on the global stage.
