As the far right surges worldwide, overuse of the term “fascism” has increased along with it. To some, Donald Trump threatens imminent fascism in the US; to others, the US is already fascist, or always has been. But Marxists must be more exact about what fascism is and how it happens. Getting it wrong leads to fatal errors in organizing.
The US Civil War was a major influence on the development of Marxism. For Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the war against chattel slavery was an important phase in the global struggle against human bondage. Their commentary on the war is compiled in The Civil War in the United States, an essential volume for those seeking a Marxist understanding of the most pivotal conflict in US history, as well as the relationship between oppression and labor.
Against all expectations, the new Star Wars series Andor is one of the best depictions of revolution in recent memory. This article takes a look at the story’s historical inspirations (including the Russian Revolution); the way it reflects the current political climate of instability, creeping fascism and mass radicalization; and what it shows us about workers’ resistance and solidarity.
Earlier this month, I attended Socialist Alternative’s Socialism conference in Sydney. For readers outside Australia, I’m referring to the Australian Trotskyist organization (which was a cousin of sorts to the ISO in the US before the latter disbanded), and not the...