Cornel Ronald West is an American philosopher, theologian, political activist, politician, social critic, and public intellectual. He is the grandson of a Baptist minister and his primary philosophy focuses on the roles of race, gender, and class struggle in American society. As a socialist, West draws intellectual contributions from multiple traditions, including Christianity, the black church, democratic socialism, left-wing populism, neopragmatism, and transcendentalism.

Among his most influential books are Race Matters (1993) and Democracy Matters (2004). During his career, he has held professorships and fellowships at Harvard University, Yale University, Union Theological Seminary, Princeton University, Dartmouth College, Pepperdine University, and the University of Paris. He has been featured in several documentaries, and made appearances in Hollywood films such as The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, as well as providing commentary for both films. West has also made several spoken word and hip hop albums.

West is an outspoken voice in left-wing politics in the United States and is an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election.