Theory and Analysis

The French Revolution of May 1968

May 1968 was the greatest revolutionary general strike in history. This mighty movement took place at the height of the post-war economic upswing in capitalism. Then, as now, the bourgeois and their apologists were congratulating themselves that revolutions and class struggle were things of the past. Then came the French events of 1968, which seemed to drop like a thunderbolt from a clear blue sky. They took most of the Left completely by surprise, because, they had all written off the European working class as a revolutionary force.

By Marxist Student, ago

Universities accepting large donations: No such thing as a free lunch!

As inflation sores universities are claiming they are struggling financially. Rather than cutting the bloated wages of management, bosses are looking for any other financial solution. Of course, this comes at the cost of students and staff. In the latest attack on our education, university bosses are looking to get philanthropic donations from the ultra wealthy.  However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. This will further damage universities and broaden the class divide. 

By Alice Nicholoson, Cardiff Marxists , ago

Why you should read ‘Ireland: Republicanism and Revolution’

Alan Wood’s new book ‘Ireland: Republicanism and Revolution’ takes a serious approach to drawing the lessons of the Irish struggle. With Ireland at another turning point in history, Marxists must be ready to present a programme of Irish liberation. As James Connolly said “the cause of Ireland is the cause of Labour and the cause of Labour is the cause of Ireland”.

By J. Adama, Queen Mary Marxists, ago

In defence of ‘Permanent Revolution’

Trotsky’s fundamental work Results and Prospects, was written in 1906 after the failed Russian Revolution. The theory he laid out in this work came to be known as the Permanent Revolution. Despite being written a decade prior, it explains the course which the 1917 Revolution would take. The Permanent Revolution offers many lessons to revolutionaries today. 

By Davina Judith, ago