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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We must answer the dominant ideas of the bourgeois and the reformists, and cut through the distortions about the ideas of Marxism. The aim of this magazine is to allow our supporters – especially those new to Marxism – to do this.
In issue 46, Alan Woods’ editorial focuses on the necessity of art for humanity, its crisis under capitalism, and how the working class must claim all of the great cultural conquests of the past to achieve its complete emancipation.
Following on from his editorial, Alan has also written ‘A muse of fire: Art, society and revolution’. In this, Alan explains the subtle relationship between the history of art and the development of human society.
As well as demonstrating how great social revolutions are reflected in the world of art, Alan points to the revolutionary role that art itself can play, and the future of art under communism.
One of these great achievements of human culture is Ancient Greek drama, which provides the subject for Jesse Murray-Dean’s article in this issue, ‘Prometheus Bound: A prism of the Greek enlightenment’.
In this article, Jesse explores the main themes of Aeschylus’ famous tragedy, the historical context in which it was written, and the influence it has today.
The next article in the issue deals with a more modern subject: the revival of interest in poetry of all kinds today, particularly amongst young people.
In their article, Jérôme Métellus and Irene Serra explain what poetry is at its most basic level, and from this perspective consider what is driving its increase in popularity.
The last article in the issue was written by Leon Trotsky in 1926, based on a number of talks that he gave, and containing a multitude of profound insights into culture, technology, and the construction of socialism.
This issue is highly recommended reading – not only for someone interested in questions of art and culture, but anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of historical materialism.
Please note: We only deliver print editions of the magazine to UK residents. Non-UK residents should head to the In Defence of Marxism website.