China and Imperialism: Elements of the Debate

The question of China’s place in the international order is central to characterizing where the capitalist world system is headed. It has been the subject of a debate in which we find quite divergent positions — a sign of its complexity. This article is part of a process of elaboration and discussion underway in the Trotskyist Fraction–Fourth International.

The Biggest General Strike in the World: Over 200 Million Workers and Farmers Paralyze India

On Thursday over 200 million workers held a one day general strike in India. They were joined by farmers in mass actions across the country against the right-wing government of Narendra Modi.

Fifteen Asia-Pacific Countries Sign World’s Largest Free Trade Agreement

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was signed November 15 by 15 Asia-Pacific countries, to great fanfare in China’s pro-regime press. Currently of relatively limited economic scope, it could in the long term be a fulcrum in the fierce struggle between the major powers to conquer Asian markets.

Thousands Protest for Democratic Reforms in Thailand

Protests in Thailand, set off by the student movement, are directed at the military-backed government and powerful monarchy. These protests are part of a string of global uprisings erupting around the world as the current crisis of capitalism deepens.

Protests in Kyrgyzstan Catapult the Country into Political Crisis

A political crisis in Kyrgyzstan has generated tumult in the former Soviet Republic. As tensions rise, Russia and China, who have geopolitical interests in the Central Asian country, confront growing regional volatility and global disorder. 

Massive Protests Erupt in Indonesia Against Austerity

Thursday, October 8, the third day of protests in Indonesia against a legislative reform that slashes labor rights and threatens the environment, was marked by clashes with the police. Some 300 demonstrators were arrested in the capital, where thousands of people mobilized.

Coronavirus in India: 6 Million Confirmed, 60 Million Suspected

India has confirmed over six million coronavirus cases, though the true count could be as high as 60 million. The Modi-led BJP government continues to reopen businesses and public spaces in order to “save” the economy while passing austerity budgets, hurting the already vulnerable working class. 

The Saigon Commune: Against Imperialism and Stalinism

On this day in history, the Saigon Commune was created. With the end of World War II and Japan’s surrender to the Allies, the Japanese occupation of Vietnam also ended. Soon thereafter, revolutionary workers in various parts of Vietnam rose up in an insurrection against reoccupation by French imperialism --- but also against Stalinist repression. Trotskyists played a central role.

The Contours of Capitalism in China

China is the world’s second-largest economy and the world’s main industrial producer and exporter. How can we characterize the economic and social transformations that have marked China’s development over the past four decades?