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Currently viewing entries in the Socialism category.

  • Technology and Socialism for June 29th, 2009

    Compiled by Ben Wood | June 29th 2009 | Socialism

    The articles below contribute (some directly, others indirectly) to a dialogue questioning the role of new technologies and a reformation or redefinition of socialism. One needs to look no further than the relationship between Twitter and the Iranian elections to have reason for this debate. New technologies seem to depreciate faster than a used Pontiac Sunfire, so it is no doubt that Twitter cannot form the foundation of any kind of long-term social movement. Still, to embrace the moment — however short and temporary — when social networking technologies can become sites of resistance showcasing a plurality of voices is critical.

    Free As In Freedom

    An interesting piece on how the ‘digital generation’ is accustomed to free, open access to information, music, movies and each other, and as a result are unconsciously resisting corporate control of culture.

    The New Socialism

    This Wired feature comments on the influence of peer-to-peer file sharing, social networking sites and open source programs on the way with which we organize. Despite a misunderstanding of socialism (Kelly seems to conflate socialism with communism), this piece helps raise some important questions on whether or not new technologies can form the base of a new social movement.

    Twittering in Tehran

    These social networking sites also change how T.V. news and newspapers gather their stories, where they get their information and the angle from which they report. MacPhail is optimistic that the flood of tweets from Iran has changed the news media game: social capital has now replaced investment capital.

    You Provide the Tweets, We’ll Provide the Info War

    Bratich provides a critical reminder that the while the plethora of alternative voices via Twitter may help mainstream media break out of the incestuous, self-referential circle of ‘reliable, independent’ sources, we must continue to be just as objective with Tweets as we are with every other news source.

    The 18th Brumaire of Barack Obama

    Before we get too committed to the possibility of a digital revolution, we need to be reminded that there are issues outside a Facebook post that are renewing interest in socialist and Marxist thought. The Globe’s Ian Brown, with the help of Leo Panitch, discuss how the financial collapse has lead to a resurgence of interest in Marxism.

  • Building Socialism in theory and practice for June 1st 2009

    Compiled by Cy Gonick | June 1st 2009 | Socialism

    Reviewing the recent Latin American experience, Marta Harnecker writes :

    “In order for political action to be effective, so that protests, resistance and struggles are really able to change things, to convert insurrections into revolutions, a political instrument capable of overcoming the dispersion and fragmentation of the exploited and the oppressed is required, one that can create spaces to bring together those who, in spite of their differences, have a common enemy; that is able to strengthen existing struggles and promote others by orientating their actions according to a thorough analysis of the political situation; that can act as an instrument for cohering the many expressions of resistance and struggle.”

    This is the first of a series of articles to appear in Links magazine on making revolution in the 21st century.

    Richard Vogel offers a point-by-point comparison of the principles and practices of socialism versus those of capitalism, and outlines socialist initiatives to combat neo-liberal globalization.

    IN the light of both the real experience of socialism in the recent past and the opportunities provided by today¹s economic crisis, Rick Wolff outlines a new definition of socialism including both its micro and macro dimensions.

    In these two articles Federico Fuentes and Hermann Albrecht each describe the latest developments emerging in building socialism in Venezuela.

    Former Winnipeger Derek Rosin describes in detail the players and the events which has led to socialist revolution in Nepal. He also describes the philosophy underlying the Maoist revolutionary strategy and some of its unique character.

  • Socialism for May 6th 2009

    Compiled by Cy Gonick | May 6th 2009 | Socialism

    Socialism is back. At least it’s being openly talked about again, along with Marxism. Here are a number of new articles, pamphlets interviews and lectures to whet your appetite.

  • Twenty-First Century Socialism and Ecosocialism for April 17th

    Compiled by Cy Gonick | April 17th 2009 | Socialism

    The word ‘socialism’ had all but disappeared from public usage but with the collapse of the capitalist world economy socialism is back. The cover line of a recent issue of Newseek magazine read ‘We’re All Socialists Now’. Socialism and ecosocialism are being widely discussed in various publications, public meetings and on the internet. Here are a smattering of articles.

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