Exploring the Complex World of Trotskyism, Part 1: Rise and Decline
Aug 14, 2023
01:55:03
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Quick takeaways
The diverse perspectives on the nature of the Soviet Union have caused significant debates and splits within the Trotskyist movement.
Trotskyism has employed united front strategies, with differences in approach and interpretation among various groups.
Debates over defensism and anti-defensism have impacted Trotskyist views and engagement with socialist states.
Despite the decline of Trotskyism, post-Trotskyist organizations within the DSA continue to operate with limited influence and relevance.
Deep dives
Theoretical Innovations and Split on Nature of Soviet Union
One of the key debates among Trotskyist groups has been the nature of the Soviet Union. This debate emerged during Trotsky's lifetime and continues to influence the movement. Some Trotskyists argue that the Soviet Union was a deformed worker state, while others propose a bureaucratic collectivist perspective. These viewpoints differ in terms of how they justify defending or opposing the Soviet Union against capitalist aggression. Another perspective that emerged later is the theory of state capitalism, which argues that the Soviet Union became a capitalist state with surplus labor extracted by a bureaucratic ruling class. These theoretical disagreements have led to several splits within the Trotskyist movement.
United Front Strategies
Trotskyism has also been characterized by its united front strategies, with a distinction between the united front from above and the united front from below. The former involves joining forces with other parties for specific actions, but not forming a government with them. The latter entails a broader coalition approach and can involve joining a government. However, the viability of these strategies can vary depending on the political context, such as the absence of a parliamentary system in the United States. Additionally, Trotskyism places a preference on the united front from above strategy, with differences existing among various Trotskyist groups in their interpretations and applications of united front tactics.
Defensism and Anti-Defensism
Trotskyism has seen debates over defensism and anti-defensism in relation to the Soviet Union and other socialist states. Defensism involves defending these states against capitalist aggression, while anti-defensism rejects such defense. These positions have important implications for how Trotskyists view and engage with these countries. Additionally, debates have arisen regarding the nature of the Soviet Union and whether it was a deformed worker state, bureaucratic collectivist, or even state capitalist. These discussions have contributed to further divisions within the Trotskyist movement.
Continued Existence of Trotskyist Groups
Despite numerous theoretical debates and splits, Trotskyist groups continue to exist to this day. Various factions such as the International Socialist Organization (ISO), Socialist Equity Party, and Pathfinder Press maintain their specific interpretations and practices of Trotskyism. While their influence and size may vary, these groups have been able to sustain themselves even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The reasons for their continued presence include factors like ideological commitments, organizational structures, and individual interests within these groups.
Decline of Trotskyism as an independent movement
Trotskyism, once a distinct and active political movement, has gradually declined over the years. From the initial surge in the 1960s and 1970s to the present day, Trotskyist organizations have lost their relevance and influence. This decline can be attributed to various factors, such as the changing political landscape, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the rise of other leftist movements. As a result, Trotskyist organizations have struggled to attract new members and maintain their distinct identity.
Emergence of post-Trotskyist organizations within the DSA
Amid the decline of Trotskyism, a new trend has emerged in the form of post-Trotskyist organizations within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Former members of Trotskyist organizations, such as the ISO and Solidarity, have joined caucuses within the DSA, bringing with them their Trotskyist legacies and theories. These caucuses, including Tempest, Bread and Roses, and International Socialist Project, operate within the DSA, aligning themselves with the broader reformist left. However, their influence remains limited, and they largely exist as subgroups within the larger DSA.
The challenges and limitations of post-Trotskyist groups
While post-Trotskyist organizations within the DSA offer critiques and perspectives rooted in Trotskyist theory, their impact and relevance remain limited. With membership numbers ranging from two to four hundred individuals, these caucuses struggle to gain significant traction within the DSA. Additionally, their ideological positions and theoretical debates often have little impact beyond their own circles. The decline of Trotskyism and the integration of former Trotskyists into the DSA signal a shift away from the once distinct and independent Trotskyist movement and its theories.
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.
Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake
