Vivek Chibber’s ABCs of Reformism: Reality Has Overtaken Social Democratic Illusions

A year and a half ago, Jacobin magazine put out a series of pamphlets on the ABCs of Capitalism. Reformist theorist Vivek Chibber argues that the bourgeois democratic state has so much legitimacy as to make revolutionary politics impossible. Today, when 54% of the U.S. population thinks it is justified to burn down a police station, such reformist ideas appear like satire.

Returning To Normal?

With over tens of millions unemployed in the US and economies slowly reopening after the coronavirus pandemic, where are we heading? Economist Michael Roberts provides perspective. The following article was originally posted on Michael Roberts' blog, "The Next Recession. "

The Democrats’ New Police Reform Bill Is Terrible

The Democrats have unveiled a new police reform bill. It is chock full of reforms that have already been implemented, to little success. Reform is no substitute for abolition.

Papers, Please: NYPD Harasses Protesters Going Home

New York police are targeting activists. Maya Kates recounts being stopped in a taxi going home after a protest.

Why Do Mayors Talk Justice, Then Send the Cops?

After George Floyd’s murder, mayors overwhelmingly said they sympathized with protesters’ anger. But from the beginning they also condemned mass protests. They blamed them on "outside agitators" and imposed curfews.

Healthcare Workers: From “Heroes” to Targets of Police Repression

After months of being praised by NYC politicians as “heroes” in the “battle against Covid-19,” we as healthcare workers of NYC are now being attacked and arrested by the city for fighting against another deadly global pandemic: the police.

Burning and Looting: A New Rebellion or a Reactionary Conspiracy?

As uprisings spread across the United States, there has been a lot of discussion about property destruction and militant resistance to the police. Are these tactics a legitimate expression of the struggle, or are they a product of undercover action by police provocateurs, white supremacists, or outside agitators?

Capitalism Always Produces Racism

A new wave of anti-racist activists are taking to the streets to protest and stand against police violence. This highlights the importance of theoretical perspectives that understand racism as integral to capitalism. These perspectives must go beyond an identity politics that fails to acknowledge the role of class distinctions in perpetuating racism. 

Cops Keep Killing During the Uprising

Even during the uprising, the cops carry on their business as usual: regardless of the protests, they continue beating, killing, and terrorizing.