The political mainstream is dominated by philosophies that promote idealism or dualism, which are ultimately irrational views of the universe. A new book by Canadian Marxists Murray E. G. Smith and Tim Hayslip argues eloquently for a monist or non-dualist dialectical materialist approach to politics — the only rational approach to solving the world’s crises and the only path to socialism.

Continuing our perspectives series: The period ahead is one of increasing political polarization among the masses and the ruling class. The most obvious result has been the surge of the right, as exemplified by Trump’s return to the White House. While liberals and reformists attempt to paper over this growing divide, revolutionaries should embrace it.

Part of our perspectives series, this piece analyzes the trend toward political polarization among the two wings of the US ruling class, represented by the Democrats and the Republicans. The once-unified ruling class has been fragmented by decades of neoliberalism and economic crisis. This has led to a loss of class consciousness on the right wing and a new political landscape that revolutionaries need to understand.