This session covers the chapter “Class 3: Political Struggle and Revolution” of the Introducing Marxism booklet.
Video intro
Discussion Questions
- Why might it be possible for a working class to combine a high level of trade union consciousness with a much lower level of political consciousness?
- Marx told the German Workers Party in 1875 that the political class struggle is national in form but international in substance. What do you think he meant and how would this apply today?
- What can be done to transform trade union consciousness into revolutionary political consciousness?
- Which forces are potential allies of the working class today and what are the opportunities and hazards presented by such alliances?
- What should be the strategic priorities for the political work of socialists and communists in Britain today?
Further Reading
Political Struggle and Revolution
- K Marx, ‘Critique of the Gotha Programme’ (1875), Collected Works Vol.24
- VI Lenin, The State and Revolution (1917), Collected Works Vol.25
- VI Lenin, Left-Wing Communism—An Infantile Disorder (1920), Collected Works Vol.31
- VI Lenin, ‘The Discussion on Self-Determination Summed Up’ (1916), Collected Works Vol.22
- VI Lenin, ‘A Caricature of Marxism and Imperialist Economism’ (1916), Collected Works Vol.23
- Communist Party, Britain’s Road to Socialism (Communist Party, 2020 edn)
- John Foster, Whose Nation?—Democracy and the National Question in Britain (Communist Party, 2007)