Aaron Bastani: The Voice of Socialist Abundance and the Future of Politics
Aaron Bastani is a prominent British political commentator, journalist, and author, recognised as one of the most influential voices of the modern left in the United Kingdom. Born in February 1984 in Bournemouth, England, Bastani has built a reputation for combining political insight with visionary thinking about technology, society, and the economy. He is best known as the co-founder of Novara Media, a digital platform that has reshaped left-wing political discourse across the English-speaking world.
Bastani’s work is deeply rooted in critical analysis of capitalism, technological change, and social transformation. His ideas challenge conventional wisdom about economics and governance, offering a radical yet hopeful vision for the future. As a media innovator, academic thinker, and public speaker, Aaron Bastani has become synonymous with the idea of “Socialist Abundance”—a belief that modern technology can create a post-scarcity world where prosperity and leisure are shared by all.
Early Life and Education of Aaron Bastani
Aaron John Bastani was born in Bournemouth, located on the south coast of England. His academic journey began at University College London (UCL), where he studied European Social and Political Studies for his Bachelor’s degree. His early interest in European politics and social systems provided the foundation for his later research into political communication and social change.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Bastani earned a Master of Science (MSc) in International Public Policy at UCL. His academic excellence and curiosity about social movements led him to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Royal Holloway, University of London, which he completed in 2015. His doctoral thesis, “The Relationship between Connective and Collective Action in Austerity Britain,” examined how the digital environment shapes political movements and activism.
His PhD work explored how technology and social media have transformed modern protest movements—a theme that would later become central to his journalistic and philosophical work.
Aaron Bastani and Novara Media
In 2011, Aaron Bastani co-founded Novara Media, originally starting as a podcast on Resonance FM. What began as a small, independent broadcasting project quickly evolved into a leading digital media platform offering left-wing perspectives on politics, economics, and culture.
By 2015, Novara Media had expanded significantly, producing videos, live broadcasts, podcasts, and written content. The organisation became known for its unapologetically progressive stance, providing an alternative to mainstream British media. Bastani, alongside other Novara co-founders and contributors, aimed to create a space for radical discussion that challenged neoliberal narratives and highlighted the voices of the marginalised.
Under Bastani’s direction, Novara Media’s YouTube channel has grown to over 200,000 subscribers and more than 50 million views, establishing it as one of the most recognisable platforms for leftist thought in the UK. Bastani’s articulate commentary and analytical rigour make him a regular face on Novara Live, where he dissects political developments with clarity and conviction.
Aaron Bastani’s Academic and Professional Journey
Before Novara Media’s rise to prominence, Bastani gained early research experience through internships at The Young Foundation and Demos, two leading British think tanks. These roles involved political research and content writing, strengthening his analytical understanding of governance, inequality, and social innovation.
Over the years, Bastani’s writing has appeared in some of the world’s most respected publications, including The Guardian, The New York Times, The London Review of Books, and Le Monde Diplomatique. His ability to merge rigorous political theory with accessible analysis has made him a bridge between academia and public discourse.
The Book That Defined Aaron Bastani: Fully Automated Luxury Communism
In 2019, Bastani published his first book, Fully Automated Luxury Communism: A Manifesto, which brought him international attention. The book presents a radical argument: that modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, renewable energy, and biotechnology can be used to build a post-scarcity economy where everyone enjoys prosperity without exhausting the planet.
According to Bastani, these innovations have the potential to end material scarcity, reduce working hours, and make human life more creative and meaningful. He challenges the notion that capitalism is the only system capable of fostering progress, suggesting instead that a socialist society based on abundance is both possible and necessary in the 21st century.
The book has been translated into multiple languages, including French, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean, and continues to influence debates around automation, AI ethics, and the future of work.
Aaron Bastani’s Current Work: The Politics of Ageing and Life Extension
Following the success of his first book, Bastani is currently working on a new project titled Mortals, which explores the politics of ageing and life extension in the 21st century. This forthcoming work delves into how advancements in health technology, biotechnology, and longevity research will reshape society, ethics, and governance.
His upcoming book is expected to question who will benefit from these technologies—whether longevity will become a privilege of the wealthy or a universal right accessible to all.
Aaron Bastani’s Personal Life
Aaron Bastani resides on the south coast of England. He is married to Charlotte Gerada, a Labour councillor in Portsmouth, and the couple wed in August 2021 in Malta. Together, they have one daughter, born in November 2023.
Bastani frequently describes himself as a proud husband, father, and dog dad, sharing a home with his French bulldog. His family life, often referenced humorously in his social media profiles, reflects his grounded personality and human side beyond political commentary.
Aaron Bastani’s Social Media Presence
Bastani is highly active on social platforms, where he connects with tens of thousands of followers worldwide.
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On Twitter (@AaronBastani), he has more than 165,000 followers, where he discusses politics, technology, and social issues.
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His Instagram (@aaronjohnbastani) account offers insights into his work, events, and daily life, reaching over 34,000 followers.
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Through Novara Media’s YouTube and other channels, Bastani continues to influence public debate with critical yet hopeful perspectives on Britain’s political future.
Aaron Bastani’s Philosophy and Influence
Aaron Bastani represents a new generation of thinkers who see technology not as a threat but as a pathway to liberation. His “Fully Automated Luxury Communism” vision challenges pessimistic narratives about automation and job loss. Instead, he argues that the same technologies disrupting capitalism could be harnessed to create a fairer, more sustainable, and abundant society.
Bastani’s combination of academic rigour, media savvy, and moral conviction makes him one of the most distinctive voices in modern British thought. His commitment to progressive politics, social justice, and democratic ownership continues to inspire young activists, students, and thinkers across the globe.
Conclusion: Aaron Bastani’s Lasting Impact
Aaron Bastani’s influence extends far beyond traditional journalism. As a media innovator, political theorist, and advocate for a post-scarcity world, he challenges us to rethink the limits of human potential. Whether through Novara Media, his books, or his public commentary, Bastani’s work envisions a society where automation, science, and equality coexist to improve everyone’s quality of life.
At 41 years old, Aaron Bastani stands as one of the UK’s most significant progressive voices—combining intellectual clarity, digital activism, and visionary optimism. His journey from a university researcher to a globally recognised commentator embodies the spirit of a new political era—one that refuses to settle for scarcity and instead imagines a world of abundance for all.
FAQs
1. How old is Aaron Bastani?
Aaron Bastani was born in February 1984 in Bournemouth, England, making him 41 years old as of 2025.
2. What is Aaron Bastani’s Twitter or X account?
Aaron Bastani’s official Twitter (now X) handle is @AaronBastani, where he shares political commentary, media updates, and insights on technology, society, and socialism with more than 165,000 followers.
3. What is Aaron Bastani’s connection to GB News?
Aaron Bastani is not affiliated with GB News. He is a co-founder of Novara Media, a left-wing digital media outlet that provides an alternative perspective to mainstream and right-leaning broadcasters such as GB News.
4. Who is Aaron Bastani’s wife?
Aaron Bastani is married to Charlotte Gerada, a Labour Party councillor in Portsmouth. The couple married in August 2021 and have one daughter, born in 2023.
5. What books has Aaron Bastani written?
Aaron Bastani is the author of Fully Automated Luxury Communism: A Manifesto (2019), published by Verso Books. His upcoming work, Mortals, explores the politics of ageing and life extension in the twenty-first century.
