Exploring the Complex World of Trotskyism, Part 1: Rise and Decline

Let's embark on a journey through the labyrinth of Trotskyism and its complex world of factions and ideologies with the Regrettable Century's Jason and Chris and The Measure's Taken's Stephen Hammel.  Even after the disappearance of questions that made Trotskyism unique, it managed to survive well past 1992. Have you ever wondered why? We are here to unravel the mystery. In our conversation, we dissect the strange survival of Trotskyism in America and the myriad of splits it birthed. We'll explore the historical swings and shifts of Trotskyist organizations like the ISO and their transition from Shackmanites and Draperites to Cliffites and Grantites characters.

Do you know the role of the Socialist Party of the USA, the Kasama Project, and the Platypus Affiliated Society in shaping post-Trotskyist tendencies in the United States? We'll discuss this and more, including the ripple effects of the post-Stalinist era that led to a rift between Trotskyism and Maoism. It's a deep dive into Trotskyist theory's core, including the theory of permanent revolution's evolution. When it comes to the decline of Trotskyism in America, we're not just observers. We investigate its re-emergence within DSA caucuses, the rise of Salt, the International Marxist Tendency's debut, and the factors contributing to Trotskyism's resurgence in the US.

With us, you'll be a fly on the wall of history as we recount the various influences and impacts of Trotskyism on the American left and the evolution of communism. You'll travel back to 1992, witnessing the active Trotskyist organizations and their ideologies at the time. We'll also journey through the UK SWP's ties to conservative Islamic politics, the Arab Spring-induced splits, and the role of punk music in Trotskyism's resurgence. Lastly, we'll contemplate the lasting legacy of Trotskyism and the impact of its decline on the American left. This journey promises not just information, but thought-provoking insights on one of the critical aspects of leftist history and thought.

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Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

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