From Little Things Big Things Grow: Strategies for Building Revolutionary Socialist Organisations

by Mick Armstrong

"There is a burning necessity for a socialist party that will provide a fighting alternative to the ALP which has totally embraced the neo-liberal capitalist agenda which has led to unrelenting attacks on workers rights. But how do we go about building such a party from the small groups of socialists that exist today?"

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Australia

99 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

good writing and really helps with understanding how socialist groups function and what things groups can/should feasibly do as well as giving some bits of socialist history, makes for a really interesting and enlightening read

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read, providing stories of inspiring revolutionaries building from humble beginnings into mass parties. Armstrong teaches revolutionaries of today the lessons that those of the past had to learn through trial and error - both where they went right, and where they tragically went wrong. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to destroy capitalism!

[♡ India ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear guide on party building, and the evolving purposes of a revolutionary socialist organisation from its beginnings as a propaganda group to a mass party. The historic examples of previous socialist parties, from Plehkanov's Emancipation of Labour Group (which would lay the basis for the Bolsheviks!) to the Trotskyist Vietnamese in the 1930s to the radical movement of the late '60s and early '70s, strengthens Armstrong's arguments about party building, highlighting the key decisions and stances that resulted in a organisation/party's successes and failures. They were really interesting on their own as well. In the last chapter, Armstrong also rebuttals Hal Draper's argument against propaganda groups, and it was an especially compelling response. This was certainly a nuanced and convincing take on party building that I think is an essential read for anyone interested in getting more involved and organised as a revolutionary socialist, especially for those located in Australia.

[Brenmlaws · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant synopsis of what it looks like to build a genuinely revolutionary party using a wide array of examples for such a short piece. It's by no means comprehensive, but it is a great place to start looking into history and to find a place to start building. It gives a clear argument and provides a lot of context for the hard slog of building in difficult conditions.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty useful. like the case study style. good vibes.

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great arguments

Need to flesh out the history more

Let’s build like hell