As 2017 draws to a close, we can look back on a year of dramatic events in world politics. What the emerging global movement against capitalism needs is a conscious organised expression, grounded in the revolutionary ideas of Marxism. Help support the work of Socialist Appeal in building the forces of Marxism by donating to our Festive Fighting Fund today!
As 2017 draws to a close, we can look back not only on the centenary of the Russian Revolution but also a year of dramatic events in world politics. Trump’s presidency has produced a carousel of scandal and instability; Brexit continues to produce deep crises and splits in the British establishment, not least within the Tory Party; and the struggle of the Catalan masses against the reactionary Spanish state has demonstrated both the immense strength and creativity of the masses in action.
All over the world, millions of people are entering into struggle against the capitalist system and its rotten and repressive political regimes. The youth in particular are rapidly turning to radical and even revolutionary ideas as they search for an alternative to the bleak future offered them by capitalism.
What the emerging global movement against capitalism needs is a conscious organised expression, grounded in the ideas of Marx, Engels, Lenin and Trotsky.
Support the work of Socialist Appeal in building the forces of Marxism and fighting for revolutionary change by donating to our Festive Fighting Fund today!
Defend Corbyn! Fight for socialism!
Britain has once again been a focal point for the capitalist crisis. Caught between the interests of British capitalism and the demands of the “hard Brexit” base, Theresa May attempted hubristically to capitalise on the Blairites’ sabotage of Corbyn and Labour with a snap General Election, aiming to achieve a “strong and stable” majority.
The result, of course, was one of the biggest electoral upsets in modern British history. Corbyn’s campaign and manifesto got a huge response from workers and youth, who came out in their thousands to support him, despite the ferocious and cynical media campaign that was waged against him.
The election has transformed the political situation. Now May, who was considered a “safe pair of hands” this time last year, is a laughing stock; even her own MPs refer to her as a “dead woman walking”. May’s minority government, dependent on votes from the DUP’s 10 MPs, hangs by a thread – a thread which may well be severed by the thorny question of the Irish border.
This shambles of a government could collapse at any time, raising the very real possibility of a Corbyn-led Labour Party coming to power. Such a government would inevitably be met with the full force of the British bosses, their media and establishment. If he is to survive and carry out even part of his programme, Corbyn must be prepared to take revolutionary steps to secure the demands of the working class.
The need for Marxism
There has never been a greater need for Marxist ideas in the British labour movement. Socialist Appeal and the International Marxist Tendency are fighting for a socialist programme in the labour and student movements, and providing a Marxist voice for the movements of workers and youth today through our paper, magazines, pamphlets, websites, and books.
But this requires resources. We have no rich backers from the banks or big business. Instead, we rely on the generosity and sacrifice of our readers. This festive period, we ask that all our readers consider donating to our Fighting Fund collection to help us in our cause – the fight for socialism!
As always, every little helps, and all donations – large and small – are greatly appreciated. Trade union branches, campaigning groups, Marxist societies, and even individuals can also donate in return for greetings in the paper.
Please donate generously today!
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Socialist Appeal Supporters Club
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Join our fight!
Finally, if you agree with the ideas and analysis put forward in the pages of Socialist Appeal, please support us by making a regular contribution every month. If you would also like to get involved and help us to build the forces of Marxism, please do not hesitate to join us in the fight for socialism.
In the words of Leon Trotsky, the great Russian revolutionary:
“We are fighting for genuine scientific ideas and principles, with inadequate technical, material, and personal means. But correct ideas will always find the necessary corresponding means and forces…There was never a greater cause on earth.”
