Since the 1920s, Socialist and Communist parties in Europe and elsewhere have
engaged in episodes of both rivalry and cooperation, with each seeking to
dominate the European Left. Enemy Brothers analyzes how this relationship has
developed over the past century, focusing on France, Italy, and Spain, where
Socialists and Communists have been politically important. Drawing on fieldwork
and interviews in all three nations, W. Rand Smith identifies the critical
junctures that these parties faced and the strategic choices they made,
especially regarding alliance partners. In explaining the parties' diverse
alliance strategies, Enemy Brothers stresses the impact of institutional
arrangements, party culture, and leadership.