The theoretical struggle is a key component of the class struggle. Without revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary movement. Capitalism is facing the deepest crisis in its history. The ruling class can offer no real way forward for the vast majority of people.
The In Defence of Marxism magazine – produced by the Revolutionary Communist International – is a tool and a weapon for revolutionary class fighters all over the world, offering serious Marxist analysis on theoretical questions and burning issues of the workers’ movement.
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What better way to spend a beautiful summer’s day than having a read of the brand new In Defence of Marxism magazine? Issue #50 is an edition packed with articles all about the struggle between reformism and revolution, which can be observed throughout the history of the class struggle.
As revolutionaries, it is essential that we are able to clearly articulate the limits of reformism, whilst skilfully connecting with workers who hold illusions in reformist leaders and parties.
The editorial ‘The Struggle Against Reformism’ tackles the question of the development of revolutionary consciousness through the struggle for reforms, how this comes into conflict with the limits of reformism, and the role of communists in this process.
Arturo Rodriguez’s lead article ‘Lessons from Greece’ is a detailed retrospective on the Greek crisis from 2010-2015. Using the experience of the left-reformist Syriza government, he draws out all the key lessons on the limitations of reformism, which emerged clearly in this struggle.
Looking back much further in history, Lukas Kutschera’s article, ‘The German Peasants’ War’, gives an overview of what amounted to the first bourgeois revolution 500 years ago. The article explains the origins of the war, the interests of the various classes involved, and why it ultimately ended in defeat for the peasants. As is typical in all such movements, the question of reform versus revolution arose, with Thomas Müntzer articulating the most radical ideas of the struggle.
Hélène Bissonnette’s ‘Morality and the Class Struggle’ explores the hypocritical nature of ‘official’ morality under class society, and how it goes into crisis at a certain stage. Whilst the ruling class uses its morality as a cynical tool, the reformists take them at their word and prove incapable of breaking free from its pressure.
The issue ends with an article by Alan Woods on ‘Figaro and the French Revolution’. In it he explains the subversive nature of Mozart’s opera, ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, and how it revolutionised the art form.
Please note: We only deliver print editions of the magazine to UK residents, not including the North of Ireland. Non-UK residents should head to the In Defence of Marxism website.
