Eric Blanc vs. Kshama Sawant: On Democracy, Autocracy, and Socialism

At a recent online debate, two prominent U.S. socialists hashed out the question of reform vs. revolution. Eric Blanc repeated dried-out reformist ideas. Kshama Sawant offered revolutionary criticism — but with some important limitations.

The Leninist Conception of the Party: Myths and Realities

In Lenin’s work, the party question is not only decisive but is also probably the most difficult to unravel.

On Lenin’s Birthday, Let’s Give a Shout Out for Some of His Greatest Contributions

Among the giants whose shoulders today’s revolutionaries stand upon, few loom as large as Lenin. To commemorate his birthday, here are four of his greatest contributions to revolutionary theory and practice.

What Is International Women’s Day?

“Why is there no Men’s Day?” “Women’s Day should be every day.” “Buy your girlfriend flowers.” “Aren’t we getting any presents at the office?” “It’s not a day of celebration but of struggle, because it’s the day we remember the women workers who died in a fire.” “What fire?” Here, Andrea D'Atri explains the real history behind International Women's Day.

Learning from the Masses: Trotsky at the Modern Circus

In the early 20th century, mass audiences at the Modern Circus in Petrograd clamored at the sound of Trotsky’s voice, and he, in turn, vibrated to the rhythm of the audience. Marxist scholar Warren Montag dissects a passage of Trotsky’s 'My Life' and analyzes it through the lens of Baruch Spinoza. 

Anti-Colonial Marxism: 100 Years Since the Congress of the Peoples of the East in Baku

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Baku Congress. The Congress of the Peoples of the East was initiated by the Communist International, bringing together revolutionary organizations from Iraq, Persia, Turkey, Afghanistan, China, India, and other countries. This experience shows what Marxism has to offer to anti-colonial struggles.

The Trotskys Betrayed

Stalin's bureaucratic dictatorship assassinated Leon Trotsky 80 years ago. What many may not realize, however, is that it also killed all of his children.

Socialist Revolution, Women’s Liberation, and the Withering Away of the Family

Some say that Marxism is only interested in economic problems and ignores oppression. But the Russian Revolution showed how Marxists tried to end women's oppression by socializing reproductive work. They believed relationships should be based exclusively on love, not social coercion.

Subaltern Hegemony and the Recomposition of the Left

Autonomy, strategy, experimentation and creativity will all be necessary in order for the subaltern classes and the Left to develop their own hegemonic forms and practices. Doing so will be necessary to challenge capitalist social relations and hegemony.