Debate

This section was opened before the the Greek elections of 17 June 2012. We said “[the elections] are a decisive moment in the struggle of the Greek people aginst Troika-imposed austerity. How the radical, anti-capitalist, revolutionary left should position itself is subject to wide-ranging debate. International Viewpoint has decided to publish a number of contributions it has received.” Greece continues to be at the centre of discussions on strategies for resistance, so we are continuing to publish contributions from different standpoints about perspectives in Greece.

This section groups contributions discussing the questions of building broad new left or anti-capitalist parties. The most recent contributions are those that have been submitted to the meetings of the Fourth International leadership in 2012 and 2013 either for discussions relatng to the balance sheet of specific cases, Brazil, Denmark, Italy, Portugal in 2013, Pakistan, Spanish state and France in 2013, or for the general discussion.Older discussions include one starting from the results of the 2003 European elections, where Alex Callinicos, Murray Smith and Alan Thornett discuss how the left should organise, the role of revolutionaries and their relationship with broader anti-capitalist formations. Picking up the thread in 2008, Phil Hearse and David Packer make an assessment in the light of divisions in some broad parties, such as Respect. Other contributions discuss perspectives in Scotland in the SSP, in Germany or Italy or consider more general questions.

The ongoing struggle between the popular rebellion and the pro-Gaddafi forces and the nature of the forces engaged; the rebels’ demand for a no-fly zone and UN resolution 1973 are all questions on which a broad discussion has opened up among anti-imperialists. International Viewpoint is publishing contributions in this discussion.

How do marxists respond to the use of religion as a political tool by "fundamentalists" of all hues? Can marxists and the religious work together?

Gilbert Achcar, Alex Callinicos and Sharon Smith debate the issue of whether Marxists in the West should declare "solidarity with the Iraqi resistance".

The neo-liberal practice of the Lula government has presented new challenges for the Brazilian left. Inside, and outside, the PT the left is debating how to respond.

This exchange represents contrasting viewpoints among revolutionary socialists about the extent to which the tasks of radical activists can be seen through the prism of the anti-war movement. Callinicos is a member of the British SWP; Frank Slegers is a member of the Belgian section of the Fourth International.