In case you haven’t noticed, socialism is suddenly surging in America—especially among young adult voters. Nearly two-thirds of Americans ages 18 to 29 hold a favorable view of socialism. One explanation for the American left’s populist surge is that this is the inevitable future of American politics. Democratic socialism is the natural and logical terminus, and the only long-term solution. Here’s another explanation, which—setting aside my own political views—I find more likely: Democratic socialism, as we see it today, is a fad.