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Leon Trotsky and the Struggle for Socialism in the Twenty-First Century
Leon Trotsky remains the towering figure in the history of revolutionary socialism in the twentieth century. A careful study of his writings is essential for the elaboration of the strategy and tactics of socialist revolution in our epoch, that of imperialist clashes coalescing into a new world war and a worldwide assault on the condition of the working class.
Trotsky’s greatest achievement was the founding of the Fourth International (FI) in 1938, after the Third International under Stalin facilitated the coming to power of Hitler in Germany, without a fight by the multi-millioned working class. A principled internationalist, opposed to Stalin’s “socialism in one country,” Trotsky wrote in the founding document of the FI that “the historical crisis of mankind is reduced to the crisis of the revolutionary leadership.”
Written over a forty-year period, the essays in this book are devoted to bringing the rich historical lessons to a new generation of workers and young people, in order to resolve the “historical crisis of mankind.”
Trotsky’s greatest achievement was the founding of the Fourth International (FI) in 1938, after the Third International under Stalin facilitated the coming to power of Hitler in Germany, without a fight by the multi-millioned working class. A principled internationalist, opposed to Stalin’s “socialism in one country,” Trotsky wrote in the founding document of the FI that “the historical crisis of mankind is reduced to the crisis of the revolutionary leadership.”
Written over a forty-year period, the essays in this book are devoted to bringing the rich historical lessons to a new generation of workers and young people, in order to resolve the “historical crisis of mankind.”
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
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August 28, 2023
An important collection of essays that outline different aspects of Trotsky's political perspective, the fight for the Fourth International and against Stalinism, and the continued relevance of Trotsky's life and work for the twenty-first century.
Notable essays include: a reply to British reactionary buffoon Theodore Dalrymple's attack on Trotsky; an essay on a new Trotskyist organisation that has emerged in the former Soviet Union; an exposition of Trotsky's positions on the self-determination of Ukraine, and its relevance for the ongoing war; and an outline of the important investigation into Trotsky's assassination carried out by the International Committee of the Fourth International.
One of the most important sections is a lengthy essay written in 1982 that focuses on some of the key strategic experiences of the Left Opposition and the Fourth International, explains the development of Trotsky's thought, and why young socialists must assimilate this history. Among other things, this provides an introduction to the theory of permanent revolution, Trotsky's analysis of the rise of fascism, and his use of the dialectical method.
The essay "Trotsky's Last Year" is particularly profound in showing Trotsky at the height of his powers as a political leader and theoretician, in his fight to build the young Fourth International, and to analyse the changes in the world political situation brought on by World War II, all while Stalin seeks to kill him.
Notable essays include: a reply to British reactionary buffoon Theodore Dalrymple's attack on Trotsky; an essay on a new Trotskyist organisation that has emerged in the former Soviet Union; an exposition of Trotsky's positions on the self-determination of Ukraine, and its relevance for the ongoing war; and an outline of the important investigation into Trotsky's assassination carried out by the International Committee of the Fourth International.
One of the most important sections is a lengthy essay written in 1982 that focuses on some of the key strategic experiences of the Left Opposition and the Fourth International, explains the development of Trotsky's thought, and why young socialists must assimilate this history. Among other things, this provides an introduction to the theory of permanent revolution, Trotsky's analysis of the rise of fascism, and his use of the dialectical method.
The essay "Trotsky's Last Year" is particularly profound in showing Trotsky at the height of his powers as a political leader and theoretician, in his fight to build the young Fourth International, and to analyse the changes in the world political situation brought on by World War II, all while Stalin seeks to kill him.
Displaying 1 of 1 review