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The Socialist 29 May 2004 |
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Socialism 2004
 Aside from the main rallies, Socialism 2004 comprises many other political
sessions grouped into themed courses.
Among this year's courses is one with
the broad theme of 'Marxism and Globalisation'.
MICHAEL CALDERBANK describes
what the course will cover.
On all five continents, the living conditions of the working class and
rural poor are coming under intense attack from the profit-driven capitalist
system.
In the West, the neo-liberal agenda of cutbacks and privatisation is
wreaking havoc on public services, whilst the job security of millions of
workers is being undermined by the growth of casualised labour, 'outsourcing'
and poverty pay.
In the session on "Workers' struggles in Europe" a German activist will
speak about Gerhard Schroeder's savage programme of welfare 'reforms', and
discuss how the fight-back is taking shape.
The impact of global capitalism is particularly severe in the neo-colonial
world, where the World Bank and IMF dictate that impoverished countries open
up their markets to huge profiteering multinationals, and impose programmes of
sell-offs designed to enrich wealthy western shareholders.
This agenda is often carried out by corrupt local elites, which allow a
tiny minority to benefit, whilst the vast majority of the population are
forced to suffer. Hunger, disease and poverty continue to blight the lives of
millions as huge profits continue to mount.
Obscene
Nowhere is this obscene situation more evident than in Africa. Another
session on this course will discuss the situation facing workers in Nigeria
where ethnic and religious tensions are being used to spread division amongst
oppressed layers in society and prevent a mass movement from challenging the
interests of the rich. Despite this, an inspiring series of general strikes
has rocked Nigerian society in recent months.
The last session on the course will focus on developments in Latin America,
where new left populist leaders have been brought to power on the back of the
intense anger of the dispossessed.
The session will assess the extent of the gains made under figures such as
Hugo Chavez in Venezuela and ask what measures would be necessary to protect
and extend what has been won from the dangers of counter-revolution.
Crucially, the course will discuss whether it is sufficient to try to
reform capitalism to eliminate its worst excesses and if this will be enough
to curb the bosses' thirst for profit. Can individual states liberate
themselves through protectionist or isolationist measures?
Is it possible to fight for a socialist world, in which the economy is
democratically owned and controlled by the working class? Can we build a
lasting future without the miseries of capitalism?
In this issue
 The Real Cost Of War
Iraq: Bush's Plans For Puppet Regime
Socialist Party workplace news
Fight The Great Pensions Robbery
Greater Manchester Firefighters Stand Firm
United Action Can Defeat Bosses' Attacks
Tube Workers Ballot For Action
PCS Left Unity Landslide
Socialist Party campaigns
LibDems: Just another big business party
Coventry: Labour Should Feel Worried
Socialism 2004
Socialist Party features
Wanted: A Real Childcare Strategy
Gaza: Sharon's Scorched Earth Policy
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