The crisis of capitalism
In this video Alan Woods explains the roots of the crisis from a Marxist perspective and the revolutionary way out of the impasse.
Theory
Marxist theory is our sharpest weapon in the class struggle. Here, you can find our most recent theoretical and historical articles. For news and analysis, click here.
You can also visit our education hub to find a selection of articles, books, talks and reading guides.
The German Revolution of 1923
This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the German Revolution of 1923. The tragic failure of this revolution marked a turning point and represented the end of the revolutionary wave that had swept Europe from 1917 onwards. It is no exaggeration to say that the consequences of the failure of the 1923 revolution determined the fate of Europe. A victory for the working class in Germany would have prepared the way for the European socialist revolution and would have changed the course of world history.
The ideas of Karl Marx
2013 marks the 130 anniversary of the death of Karl Marx. Despite the many decades that have passed since his death, the ideas of Marx have never been more relevant than they are today. This is reflected in the thirst for Marxist theory at the present time. In this article, Alan Woods deals with the main ideas of Karl Marx and their relevance to the crisis we’re passing through today.
Ted Grant: the unbroken thread of Marxism
Today, 9th July, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ted Grant, the founder of Socialist Appeal and the Militant Tendency. Rob Sewell, editor of Socialist Appeal, outlines the important role played by Ted in building the forces of Marxism during his lifetime and discusses the legacy of Ted for Marxists today.
Lenin and Trotsky – what they really stood for
At the recent Marxist summer school, Alan Woods – author of Bolshevism: The Road to Revolution and editor of In Defence of Marxism – explores the ideas of Leninism, Trotskyism, and the Bolshevism, and discusses the vital role of Lenin and Trotsky in the Russian Revolution of 1917.
The Matchgirls strike: from a spark to a blaze
In July 1888, 1,400 female workers walked out on strike at the Bryant and May factory in East London. 125 years later, that struggle still holds a place of honour in the history of the labour movement.
Philosophy and religion
To celebrate Ted Grant’s centenary year, we are re-publishing this chapter from the book ‘Reason in Revolt’ by Ted Grant and Alan Woods, which examines the role of philosophy in society and compares the materialist method of Marxism with the idealism of religion and other philosophy.
The colonial revolution and the deformed workers’ states
To celebrate Ted Grant’s centenary this year, we are re-publishing his article from 1978 on the question of the revolutions in the ex-colonial countries, including those that took place in China, Cuba, and many other places, in which Ted provides a Marxist explanation for the particular way in which the revolutions in these countries developed. For more information on this subject, come to the Marxist Summer School, where John Pickard – former editor of the Militant – will be giving a lead off on this topic.
Will there be a slump?
To celebrate the centenary of Ted Grant, founder of the Militant Tendency and Socialist Appeal, we are re-publishing Ted’s article entitled “Will There Be a Slump?”. Written in 1960 in the middle of the post-war boom, when many others on the Left had accepted Keynesian economic ideas, Ted explained the fundamental causes behind the boom and how these would eventually lead to crisis. For more information on this topic, come along to the Marxist Summer School, where Adam Booth will be speaking on the subject.
Against the theory of state capitalism
In 1949, Ted Grant, founder of the Militant Tendency and Socialist Appeal, wrote a polemical response to Tony Cliff on the class nature of the Soviet Union, arguing against Cliff’s theory of “State Capitalism”. Ted’s response provides an in-depth Marxist analysis on a range of questions, from the transition from capitalism to socialism, to the key issues of the state and the nature of Stalinism.
The Rise and Fall of the Communist International
To celebrate this year’s centenary of Ted Grant, founder of the Militant Tendency and Socialist Appeal, we are re-publishing a series of Ted’s key writings. We begin with Ted’s pamphlet “The Rise and Fall of the Communist International”, which analyses the founding of the Third International and its decline under Stalin.
Marx’s revolution in philosophy – reflections on the Theses on Feuerbach
Alan Woods examines the revolutionary advances made by Marx in the field of philosophy.