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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/26969
Posted on 28 February 2018 at 16:07 GMT
Gorbachev: Accidental architect of world change
Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union's last leader, left a truly historical legacy. Aiming to reform bureaucratic rule he helped unleash forces that led to the complete collapse of Stalinism in Russia and eastern Europe.
That then fed capitalist globalisation, opening up new markets and cheap labour - and a worldwide propaganda offensive against socialism.
Click here for Peter Taaffe's review of 'Gorbachev: His Life and Times' by William Taubman.
The review is also in the March issue of Socialism Today.
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
2020