We continue publishing here the latest analysis of the world situation by the International Marxist Tendency. In this second part, we look at the crisis in Europe, which is a particularly acute expression of the worldwide crisis of capitalism,  and which is creating enormous political and social tensions and contradictions across the whole continent.

The recent interview with actor/comedian Russell Brand on Newsnight with Jeremy Paxman, dubbed a call for revolution by many, quickly became a viral sensation. Brand’s indignation and discontent in the interview and the viral spread of the YouTube video is a clear indication that these are not merely the ramblings of an eccentric celebrity, but a sentiment that is shared by millions. Mark Rahman of Socialist Appeal USA looks at the recent spate of calls for revolution from celebrities.

In Britain, a handful of super-rich plutocrats control our lives. On a world scale, according to Oxfam, a mere 85 top billionaires, who could all comfortably fit into a double-decker bus, own more wealth than half of the world’s population put together. Rob Sewell, editor of Socialist Appeal, looks at the obscene levels of inequality under capitalism.