Myths of Marxism: can you have capitalism without racism?
Ravi Mistry explores the origins of racism within class society and explains the way forward in the fight against oppression and discrimination.
The individual and the Marxist view of history – part two
We publish here the second part of Adam Booth’s article about the role of the individual in history. In this second half, Adam examines the pivotal role played by Lenin and Trotsky in the 1917 Russian Revolution, and the dialectical relationship between leaders and the masses. The real lesson of history is that a revolutionary leadership is vital in order to transform society.
‘Capitalist Realism’ and the errors of “academic Marxism”
Ben Gliniecki reviews the late Mark Fisher’s influential and acclaimed – but ultimately confused and overly-academic – book, “Capitalist Realism”: a confused jumble of academic jargon which barely manages to describe phenomena first explained by Marx over 170 years ago.
The Vietnam War: eye-opening documentary shows full horror of imperialism
The Vietnam War – a 17-hour documentary recently broadcast on the BBC – may well be the best such film yet produced on this still-controversial subject. Steve Jones reviews this incredible new documentary and the graphic account it provides of one of imperialism’s most brutal wars.
Catalonia goes to the polls amidst repression
Catalonia goes to the polls tomorrow in elections imposed by the Madrid government as part of the Article 155 measures. As Jorge Martin explains, this vote takes place in exceptional conditions of repression and the curtailment of democratic rights. With one day to go, the result of the elections is hard to predict.
The individual and the Marxist view of history – part one
100 years ago, the masses in Russia took power. This revolutionary event, however, would not have been possible without the bold leadership of Lenin and Trotsky. In this sense, the role of the individual at certain points in history is vital. Adam Booth explores the Marxist view of history and the role of individuals in determining the course of historical events.
Future Unions? We need unions that fight for our future!
The Fabian Society and Community trade union – both well known for their “gradualism” and willingness to compromise with the bosses – recently released a report entitled Future Unions, which seeks to dilute down the role of the unions in an age of zero-hour contracts, precarious work, and the gig economy. But, as Terry McPartlan explains, the way to fight these problems is through militancy and organisation.
Catalonia: rise up against Article 155 and the 1978 regime
We publish here two articles about the latest events in Catalonia, which this week sees a regional election imposed by the Spanish state as part of their Article 155 repressive measures. The first article is a statement by the Catalan section of the IMT about the upcoming elections. The second is a summary of the struggle for a Catalan Republic by Jorge Martin.
The Grenfell disaster – six months on: 4 out of 5 families still homeless
In the immediate aftermath of the tragic Grenfell fire, Theresa May promised that all families would be housed within three weeks. But six months have now passed and 4 out of 5 families made homeless by the disaster still do not have permanent homes at all. Moses Levi looks at the chaotic and inadequate response of the Tories to a disaster that they helped to create.
Ryanair pilots score a victory as bosses open union recognition talks
In a major U-turn, Ryanair this morning declared it would agree to engage with unions after some of its Dublin-based pilots voted in favour of strike action ahead of Christmas. The low-cost airline claimed it had written to pilot unions inviting them to recognition talks. As pilot Martin Swayne writes, this marks a major victory for the flight crew.
Fighting fascism and the far right
Marie Frederiksen discusses the rise of reactionary figures like Trump and Le Pen, and explains how these racist right-wing politicians differ from genuinely fascist leaders and movement. What lessons can be learnt from history in terms of fighting the far right today?
“We shall now proceed to construct the socialist order!”
The first few months following the 1917 October Revolution in Russia were a frantic period for the new Soviet government of workers and peasants. Lenin and the Bolsheviks spent much of this time issuing decrees and appeals, designed to put their programme into effect and further win over the hearts and minds of the masses. James Kilby looks at the opening months of Soviet power.