International

Two visions of Ireland at stake in the General Election

11th February 2016 Socialist Action 0

By Frances Davis and Ian Richardson

The much-anticipated General Election in the southern Irish state, called for 26 February, has brought into sharp focus two clear political alternatives – a continuation of right wing austerity politics or a break with it, in favour of a left wing alternative. The fact that the election is taking place in the centenary year of the 1916 Rising also gives an added significance – and one which is not just based on an historic poignancy. Most of the fundamental tasks of 1916 are yet to be accomplished.

The general significance of China’s discussion on the economy’s ‘supply side’

29th January 2016 Socialist Action 0

The following article, by John Ross, on  China’s discussion on the economy’s ‘supply side’, was previously published by Socialist Economic Bulletin.

A major discussion is taking place in China on the issue of its economy’s ‘supply side’. Naturally there are aspects of this which relate to specifically Chinese issues. Discussion in China also differs fundamentally from that in the West in that it takes place simultaneously in both ‘Western’ and ‘Marxist’ economic terms. Nevertheless the overall framework of this discussion equally relates to the key issues of economic policy in Western countries.

Latin American left needs to study China’s ‘revolution in production’

8th January 2016 Socialist Action 0
The following article, by John Ross, on the lessons of China’s ‘revolution in production’ for the Latin American left, previously appeared on Socialist Economic Bulletin.

In the later part of the 20th century Latin America suffered an economic catastrophe from neo-liberal policies. Until 1993 average per capita GDP in developing Latin American economies remained below 1981 levels. By 1998 annual average per capita GDP growth was still only 0.9% – taking a five-year average to remove cyclical fluctuations.

Podemos big winner in Spanish elections

21st December 2015 Socialist Action 0

The outcome of the Spanish general election is unclear as no major party has an overall majority or even an obvious political partner(s) with which it could form one. The poll overall represents a shift to the left, but a shift insufficient to place the anti-austerity forces in government.

Boris Johnson’s correct choice on Syria – it is necessary to fight on the side of Assad & Russia against ISIS

7th December 2015 Socialist Action 0

Boris Johnson supported the catastrophic invasion of Iraq, launched by Bush and Blair, which is the cause of the present chaos in the Middle East and the rise of global terrorism it has resulted in. Like the bombing of Libya the Iraq invasion turned previously powerless jihadist terrorists into a powerful force. Above all the people of the Middle East but also those in Paris, San Bernardino, and Mali are paying for that with their lives.

How to really defeat ISIS

29th November 2015 Socialist Action 0

The effective measures that would really defeat ISIS are very simple – the fact Cameron doesn’t propose them shows he is lying about trying to destroy ISIS.