In the latest video from the Marxist Student Federation’s Myths of Marxism series, Stephen Agnew of the Sheffield Marxists examines whether capitalism – based on the market, competition, private ownership and production for profit – really is the most efficient economic system possible for society.
Rob Sewell examines the Chartist movement of the 19th Century, one of the most radical episodes in British history, when the working class began to flex its muscles and demand key political rights – above all, the right to vote. Chartism has left us with a tremendous legacy that should serve to inspire all those who wish to change the world today.
In amongst all the confusion and panic of the capitalist class, a handful of extreme right-wing economists have begun arguing for a return to the gold standard as a way of solving the economic crisis. The reality is that the contradictions of capitalism cannot be solved by measures taken within the capitalist system.
Fred Weston continues his series looking at the barbaric and violent acts committed by the ruling class in establishing and maintaining the capitalist system and imperialism over the centuries. In this third part, Fred examines the brutal methods employed by the British Empire in the 19th Century and the US imperialists in the Vietnam War.
The trial involving Martin Shkreli has ended. He is the entrepreneur who bought the rights to a cheap life-saving drug for the treatment of AIDS and cancer and increased its price 5,000%. Shkreli has shown the real morality of capitalism, where profit is king and to hell with everything else.
We publish here the second in a three part article by Luke Boulby about the Australian general strike of 1917, which took place 100 years ago this month. In this second part, Luke discusses the factors leading to the outbreak of the strike, as well the betrayals that led to its failure.
Right-wing Labour MPs are pressuring Jeremy Corbyn to condemn the government in Venezuela. Having kept relatively quiet since the Party’s impressive general election result, the Blairites now see events in Venezuela as a chink in Corbyn’s armour and hope to stick the knife in.
UNISON has won a major victory in the Supreme Court, reversing regulations from 2013 that introduced fees at Employment Appeals Tribunals. The decision marks a massive step forward in the fight to claw back workers’ rights that have faced decades of attacks. But there is still some way to go. Bold and militant trade union leadership is needed.
We continue here Alan Woods’ series looking at the theoretical differences between Marxism and anarchism. In this second part, Alan examines the role of leadership, the relationship between Marxists and the mass organisations, the origins of bureaucracy, and how political consciousness develops and changes.
Speaking at the recent World School of the International Marxist Tendency, held at the end of July 2017, Alan Woods – editor of In Defence of Marxism, www.marxist.com – discusses the current turbulence and volatility in the global economic, political, and social situation. The task is to break with the status quo and fight for revolution.
Over 300 revolutionaries from 20 different countries flocked to Italy in the last week of July for the International Marxist Tendency 2017 World School. The event celebrated the centenary of the Russian Revolution, with political discussions themed around this momentous chapter in human history.
The Tory government has responded to the Constituent Assembly elections in Venezuela on Sunday July 30 with an escalation of hypocritical imperialist rhetoric and actions. Whilst denouncing the Maduro government, Theresa May and Boris Johnson have no qualms forging close alliances with despots in Saudi Arabia or the Erdogan regime in Turkey.