Jack Conrad
Jack Conrad was the founder editor of 'The Leninist', which was first published in November 1981. He has contributed numerous articles to the 'Weekly Worker' and written a number of books and pamphlets, the latest being the second edition of 'Fantastic reality', his book on Marxism and the politics of religion.
Latest articles by Jack Conrad
Two election tactics
The Bolsheviks are rightly famous for their armed street demonstrations and storming of the Winter Palace. But what they are less known for is their use of elections to the duma, the tsar’s toothless parliament. Jack Conrad puts the record straight
Using every avenue
In what is almost certainly a general election year, Jack Conrad looks at the evolution, limits and possibilities of parliament. We don’t have to settle for Sir Keir’s Labour Party and the lesser evil
Notes on the war
At this particular juncture the west’s proxy finds itself on the back foot, says Jack Conrad. Doubtless that explains why Donald Tusk is warning Russia that a wider war in Europe is “a real threat”
Ten thousand years of sorrow
Class exploitation and war go hand in hand. Jack Conrad explores origins, Greek warriors, Christian theology and the widely held idea that Marx and Engels urged the backing of the lesser evil
The wealth of nature
Despite tailing the climate crisis movement, some on the left still think of labour as the source of all wealth. Jack Conrad spells out the ABCs for the SWP and the IST
Notes on the war
After two years of battlefield carnage there is stalemate. Jack Conrad calls for the left to break from social-pacifism and centrism
Sir Patrick Sanders’ citizen army
There is much talk in establishment circles about the British army being too small and the need to gear up for war against Russia. Under these circumstances the left needs clear programmatic answers, says Jack Conrad
Communists and holy war
While the past should not and cannot be mapped onto the present, Jack Conrad argues that the approach taken by Comintern to the Muslim east contains many useful lessons - if, that is, we retain our critical faculties
Notes on the war
With the failure of Zelensky’s offensive there can be no doubt that there is a stalemate now. Perfect conditions for unofficial ceasefires and fraternisation, argues Jack Conrad
ABCs of Muslim Brothers
Jack Conrad looks at MAB, its internal power struggles, its relationship to the British state and its encounters with the popular-frontist left. Last of three articles
ABCs of Muslim Brothers
Three typologies, three stages, three martyrs. In the second of three articles, Jack Conrad investigates a highly variegated history of the organisation in Egypt
ABCs of Muslim Brothers
In the first of three articles, Jack Conrad looks at the origins, evolution and current reality of the Muslim Brotherhood in Britain, Egypt and internationally
Transition to nowhere
The so-called transitional method relies on economism and spontaneity. Jack Conrad makes the case for the minimum-maximum programme and the struggle to win the battle for democracy
Getting in touch
Jack Conrad takes up the offer made by Will McMahon and Nick Wrack about talks and joint work towards creating the basis for a mass Communist Party
Notes on the war
Despite Zelensky’s much vaunted offensive making ‘noticeable progress’, Jack Conrad argues that, especially with the mud season fast approaching, we should not expect any big changes on the battlefield
The Soviet Union in history
Is there progress? There seems to be, in nature and likewise in society. But, argues Jack Conrad, there is retrogression, mutual exhaustion and extinction too
Other theories, other labels
If, after the launch of the first five-year plan, the Soviet Union cannot be classified as a workers’ state, what was it? Jack Conrad looks at some alternatives that have been offered by different schools of thought
Not a workers’ state
Did the Soviet Union remain a workers’ state from its heroic beginnings to its miserable end? Citing unchanged property relations is clearly unMarxist. What is decisive is production relations, argues Jack Conrad
Techno-fix delusions
Given the abject failure to deliver on the governmental pledges made in 2015 at Cop 21, there has been an increasing turn to bogus technological solutions, warns Jack Conrad
Notes on the war
Putin is in real trouble - the Wagnerite rebellion testifies to political, military and strategic failure, argues Jack Conrad
First plan realities
Clearly the first five-year plan had nothing to do with the realisation of socialist planning. In the second of two articles, Jack Conrad investigates the counterrevolution within the revolution
First plan backgrounds
Planning and socialism are synonymous. However, as Jack Conrad argues in a two-part article, there is planning and planning. The Soviet Union’s first five-year plan owed more to chaos than plan
Notes on the war
With Kyiv’s long-trailed military offensive now seemingly underway, Jack Conrad warns that we should still expect a prolonged, bitter war of attrition and eventually a US attempt to encircle and strangle China
Notes on the war
Yevgeny Prigozhin maintains that every centimetre of Bakhmut has been taken, but Ukraine’s much heralded spring offensive is still to come. Jack Conrad looks at the military and political situation
Take inspiration from Cromwell
Enough of platonic republicanism, enough of fickle republicanism, enough of egg-throwing republicanism, says Jack Conrad . We need a militant fight for republican democracy
Online Communist Forum
Jack Conrad: 'Climate catastrophe and how to prevent it'
Their army and ours
Marxists prefer peace to war, but, as Jack Conrad explains, with us that must go hand-in-hand with making propaganda for the right to bear arms and the establishment of a popular militia
We cause offence
Following the lead of the liberal bourgeoisie, the dominant section of the left takes a ‘free speech, but ...’ approach. Jack Conrad defends the unrestricted right to organise, strike, assemble … and speak
Notes on the war
One year on, the talk is of a wider conflict, even a World War III. Jack Conrad looks at the geo-politics, the military situation and the inadequacies of the existing left
Fusion is no solution
There has been much crowing over the recent breakthrough in nuclear technology. But Jack Conrad has his doubts about fusion being the ultimate terrestrial energy source
Pagan origins and modern tinsel
Official society combines crass money-making with celebrating the birth of the man-god Jesus. Knowing their history, a few Christians dissent, refuse to join in. Jack Conrad is all for the good things in life
Notes on the war
General Winter will favour those who have the best extreme weather kit, equipment and rations. Jack Conrad looks at the military situation and the wider strategic picture
Memory wars
In the last of three articles marking the anniversary of the Russian Revolution, Jack Conrad looks at the differences between Lenin and the Old Bolsheviks in the spring of 1917
Memory wars - Part II
In the second of three articles marking the anniversary of the Russian Revolution, Jack Conrad explores the rival parties, class blocs and the differences that separated Trotsky from Lenin
Memory wars - part I
In the first of three articles marking the anniversary of the Russian Revolution, Jack Conrad explains that Trotsky’s 1924 Lessons of October has been widely accepted as a right and proper account. Certainly, when it comes to the left, however, that orthodoxy needs to be overthrown as a matter of urgency
Notes on the war
Sabotage of pipelines, annexations, crazy talk of nuclear weapons and plans for regime change - but the socialist alternative is sadly lacking. Jack Conrad calls for unity in the serious business of party-building
Notes on the war
With Kyiv’s counter-offensive, the third phase of the war has begun. While it is unlikely to be the much-touted ‘decisive’ turning point, Jack Conrad warns, we should expect the Tories to bring the war back home by playing the Ukraine card
SUPPLEMENT: The general strike and classical Marxism
The meaning of character
When it comes to the Marxist programme, there are still some on what passes for the left today who will not - cannot - grasp basic, straightforward propositions. Whether that is due to a lack of elementary political education, the idiocy of isolation or factional animus is an open question. Jack Conrad replies to Andrew Northall
Our own programme
Without the working class organising itself into a political party there can be no chance of socialism. But, argues Jack Conrad, without a comprehensive, fully worked-out programme, that party has no chance of navigating the road to socialism and beyond
Their army and ours
Most of the left has embraced the peace slogan in a thoroughly pacifist manner. Marxists, of course, prefer peace to war, but, as Jack Conrad explains, with us that goes hand in hand with making propaganda for the establishment of a popular militia
Notes on the war
Both the social-imperialists and the pro-Kremlin left fail to put the working class at the centre of their perspectives and look instead to either Nato or the Putin regime as an agent of social progress. Jack Conrad calls for rebellion against those who betray the elementary principles of socialism
Open letter to ‘Red Line TV’
Jack Conrad scorns the ‘alive and kicking’ claim, questions Labour Briefing’s ‘great tradition’ and urges rebellion against LRC’s social-imperialism
Pro-Kremlin socialists
Social-imperialism and social-pacifism are not our only problems, argues Jack Conrad. There is also a left that tails, excuses and flatters the Putin regime
A farrago of illusions
Social-Putinism and social-imperialism are not our only problem, argues Jack Conrad. There is the curse of social‑pacifism and centrism too
End of phase one
As shown by the talks in Istanbul, Vladimir Putin has already lost what could still be a horrible, grizzly, prolonged war. Jack Conrad gives his assessment
Here we stand
Not only must social-imperialists and social-pacifists be denounced: Jack Conrad calls for absolute clarity, when it comes to war and peace
SUPPLEMENT: Many were the dead
There are still those who play down or make light of the slaughter that took place in the Soviet Union under Stalin. Indeed organisations such as the CPB’s Young Communist League, George Galloway’s Workers Party and the CPGB (Marxist-Leninist) boast of a recent growth of recruits. Jack Conrad looks at the Soviet Union as a mode of mortality
The police and standing army too
The SWP is bad, but the CPB is worse. Jack Conrad critiques the cowardly, tailist, opportunist left and stands by what used to be the uncontroversial call to establish a popular militia
Still no hint of seriousness
The working class, humanity, cannot afford to wait till the next century before dealing with capitalist slumps, war threats and the actuality of ecological breakdown. Jack Conrad replies to Tony Greenstein
Something serious is needed
It is clear that Tony Greenstein has abandoned any pretence of adhering to class politics: that is, the class politics of the working class. Jack Conrad defends the Marxist programme against those who advocate yet another broad-front halfway house
Commemoration message
As read out at the December 11 online meeting to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of an exiled Turkish revolutionary leader
The past as future
We must return to original communism, but on a higher level. Jack Conrad concludes his series of articles by questioning both brutish and romantic images of pre-modern society
On the dark side
Jack Conrad explores the commonalities and connections between greenism and the right and far right
Rebels without the means
Jack Conrad takes a hard look at the demands, principles and inherent limits of Extinction Rebellion
Greenism: a rough guide
Jack Conrad explores the organisations, history, business models, aristocrats, royal agendas and class limits
Malthus painted green
Are there too many people? Jack Conrad attacks crude overpopulation theories. They are more than useless: they are extraordinarily dangerous
Delusions of techno-fix
Today’s capitalist politicians are unlikely to agree, let alone implement, the measures needed to stop runaway climate change. Jack Conrad argues that the fundamental problem lies at the level of the system itself. Nonetheless, as shown by the Soviet Union, more than the mere abolition of capitalism is needed. The associated producers must take control
The wealth of nature
There are still those who merely offer a mirror image of bourgeois ideology, with the claim that workers create all the wealth. Jack Conrad argues that nature more than contributes: it is primary
Hadean to Capitalocene
Climate is change. But today climate change represents an immediate danger to human civilisation and can only be mitigated if far-reaching and truly radical measures are taken. Jack Conrad looks back at the deep past and towards an uncertain future
Looking back over the ruins
The final withdrawal of American troops must be put in the context of the April 1978 revolution and the subsequent reaction. The USA and Saudi Arabia armed, financed and promoted a counterrevolution, which included Osama bin Laden and al Qa’eda and ended in the triumph of the Taliban. This is an edited version of an article written by Jack Conrad and first published in June 2003. Its main target is Sean Matgamna, patriarch of the social-imperialist Alliance for Workers’ Liberty. Nowadays, the AWL describes the Taliban as “Islamo-fascist”; back then, though, they were “our kind of people”
A troublesome princess
On July 1, the estranged princes, William and Harry Windsor, together with members of the Spencer family, will gather in the grounds of Kensington Palace to unveil a statue in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, by Ian Rank-Broadley. Commissioned in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of her death on August 31 1997, the unveiling coincides with what would have been her 60th birthday. Here we republish what Jack Conrad wrote for this paper on September 4 1997
Fascism needs definition
Marxism strives for clarity and telling the truth. Jack Conrad replies to Hasan Keser and Daniel Lazare
Misusing the F-word
To effectively combat today’s far right we must begin by rejecting lazy analogies. Jack Conrad calls for clear historical thinking
We light fires
One half of the Labour Campaign for Free Speech does not believe in free speech. They want a ‘free speech, but ...’ campaign. Jack Conrad explains why the left should champion the unrestricted right to organise, strike, assemble and speak
Bigger than January 6
Donald Trump is now on trial before the Senate charged with inciting insurrection. Jack Conrad says the attempted self-coup began long before the January 6 storming of the Capitol
Goodbye Donald Trump
The January 6 failed coup is a symptom of decay. Even with a near $2 trillion rescue package the Biden administration is unlikely to revive the American dream, says Jack Conrad
SCOTLAND SUPPLEMENT III - Separatism, federalism, centralism
Breaking apart existing states is not the road to socialism, but the road to defeat, writes Jack Conrad
SCOTLAND SUPPLEMENT II - A joint oppressor
Left nationalists are in thrall to a bogus history, argues Jack Conrad. Scotland was not subject to an English takeover with the 1707 Act of Union. Nor does Scotland suffer from English cultural imperialism
SCOTLAND SUPPLEMENT I - Mythical, feudal, combined
Jack Conrad questions left-nationalist assumptions that Scotland is an ancient nation, which was reduced to the status of a mere English colony by the 1707 Act of Union
What Keir created, Keir can destroy
With the official left suffering from Stockholm syndrome, Jack Conrad argues that, while the struggle in the Labour Party is important, it is far from central. This is an edited version of an opening given to the November 8 Online Communist Forum
Not just British
Jack Conrad celebrates the internationalism that provides the foundations of our party
An ever timely demand
Jack Conrad critiques the opportunist left and calls for the abolition of the police and all standing armies
The importance of being programmed (part 3)
When it comes to political principles, writes Jack Conrad, broad is bad, mass is good
The importance of being programmed (part 2)
The so-called transitional method relies on economism and spontaneity. Jack Conrad makes the case for Marxist politics
The importance of being programmed
Without a comprehensive, fully worked out programme there is no road map to socialism and beyond. Jack Conrad begins a short series of articles
Not the gutter, but the stars
Jack Conrad comments on Starmer’s victory and the problems with the left.
Covid-19 and how to fight it
Jack Conrad presents a communist response to the combined health and economic crisis
An apocalyptic revolutionary
According to official Christian doctrine, Jesus was a man-god, born in a stable to a virgin mother. His first worshippers were three humble shepherds, followed by three kings from the east bearing fabulous gifts. As an adult Jesus performed serial miracles. Misunderstood by his closest disciples, betrayed by Judas Iscariot, the Jewish people collectively sought his death. Crucified by the innocent Romans, Jesus is entombed, but after three days rises from the dead. Finally, he ascends into heaven to sit on god’s right side. Jack Conrad offers a more probable version of the man and his times.
Brandishing old ghosts
Jack Conrad argues that in order to effectively combat today’s far right we must begin by rejecting false historical analogies.
Our attitude towards a Corbyn government
With the Tory election campaign mired in difficulties, Jack Conrad considers what is still an outside possibility.
Establishment at an impasse
While Boris Johnson may well hanker after an illiberal democracy, Jack Conrad warns that parliamentary deals, calls for a caretaker government and campaigning for a second referendum are worse than useless.
Climate change and system change
Mainstream politicians, jetting royals, ‘progressive’ capitalists and their army of paid persuaders have no serious programme to avert runaway climate change. We on the Marxist left have. This article is based on a talk given to Communist University on August 18 by Jack Conrad.
The two phases of communism
Trying to explain Stalin’s counterrevolution within the revolution through literary exegesis is an obvious absurdity. Jack Conrad replies to Nick Rogers
Fifty years on
A new space race has begun. Rival powers aim to get to the moon and then perhaps go all the way to Mars. Jack Conrad says this is all about national prestige, not adding to humanity’s body of scientific knowledge
No future in the past
Jack Conrad concludes his series of articles by questioning both brutish and romantic images of pre-modern society
Drawn to the flame
Jack Conrad shows why primitivists and other such deep greens are more than predisposed to the lures of ecofascism
Colours, shades, limits
In the second of four articles Jack Conrad explores the good, the bad and the ugly sides of green political thought
Malthus painted green
In the first of four articles Jack Conrad affirms the reality of global warming, along with the pending danger of ecological disaster. But crude overpopulation theories are worse than useless. Each social formation has its own laws, including laws of population
Time to end the tailism
With the United Kingdom in the grip of a profound constitutional crisis, Jack Conrad says the left must reject referendums as a matter of principle. Instead we need our own programme and our own tactics
Marx and Jewish emancipation
By citing a few thoroughly decontextualised phrases, the establishment finds Marx - and therefore contemporary Marxism - guilty of anti-Semitism. Jack Conrad puts the record straight
Their next move
Jack Conrad warns that the Labour right is looking to considerably extend the scope of the witch-hunt. Their big idea is to net socialism and even anti-capitalism
Marxism versus holy script
There are those on the left who still insist, for their own peculiar reasons, on getting the history of Bolshevism and the Russian Revolution radically wrong. Jack Conrad replies to Jim Creegan
Whatever happened to peak oil?
Prices are down to a 10-year low. It is clear that dire predictions of exhausted reserves and the world running out of oil were thoroughly misconceived. Jack Conrad returns to the issue of energy
Left tails of liberal bourgeoisie
He who pays the AEIP piper calls the AEIP tune, says Jack Conrad
Let it rot in the grave
Labour should not revive the old Fabian clause four, says Jack Conrad. Instead a new, genuinely socialist version is needed
Not social democracy
Jack Conrad argues that the SACP is best understood in terms of ‘official communism’ and a tradition that dates back to the 7th Congress of Comintern
Against referendums
Despite the TUC vote in Manchester the left should reject referendums as a matter of principle. Jack Conrad puts the Marxist case for extreme democracy
A man of contradictions
Michael Bettaney (Malkin) February 13 1950-August 16 2018
The place of the Soviet Union in history
The USSR was neither a new type of capitalism nor a 'degenerate' socialism, but a freakish new social system, argues Jack Conrad
A failure of definition
Jack Conrad argues that the left is crippled by its fixation on economic struggles and the downplaying of high politics
Sowing dragon's teeth
Is Leon Trotsky’s Transitional programme the last word when it comes to the Marxist programme? Or does it represent regression in Marxist terms? Jack Conrad argues against the economism of Trotskyism
Tactics, principles and willing dupes
What attitude should the left take to the People’s Vote campaign and its call for a second referendum? Jack Conrad insists that referendums are a backward, not a forward step for democracy
Oppose siren calls
Some on the ‘left’ insist on running with People’s Vote and its call for a second EU referendum. Once again Jack Conrad argues that Marxists ought to condemn referendums. We favour representative democracy and working class political independence
Space policy directive 2
Donald Trump has signed a presidential directive designed to boost US space commerce and fend off any challenge from China. Jack Conrad says the left would be well advised not to welcome the latest promises of getting back to the moon and going on to Mars
Wonderful yet underperformed
Jack Conrad looks back at the May-June events that rocked France 50 years ago
Democracy, not referendums
Jack Conrad advocates working class representatives, working class party politics and the working class programme of extreme democracy
Against a second referendum
Some on the ‘left’ insist on tailing John Major and Tony Blair and their call for a second referendum. However, argues Jack Conrad, Marxists are right to distrust referendums as a method of political decision-making. We champion working class political independence and representative democracy
Why revive a stinking corpse?
Jack Conrad questions the worth of the ‘Labour4Clause4’ campaign being promoted by Socialist Appeal. Instead of fostering illusions in Fabian socialism, surely the task of Marxists is to win the Labour Party to Marxist socialism
Hard, soft or no Brexit?
The working class needs a strategy that tails neither big capital nor backward-looking politicians, argues Jack Conrad
Supplement: After king Jesus
It was Paul who founded Christianity, a religion that in many ways upholds doctrines which are the exact opposite of the real teachings of Jesus. Jack Conrad sifts through the evidence
Putting the record straight
Over the course of this centenary year we have featured a range of different authors giving their evaluation of Bolshevism and the role of Lenin. Jack Conrad argues that those who still insist on claiming that there was some kind of programmatic break in April 1917 are, for their own particular reasons, desperate to defend a radically false version of history
Spooks and a Corbyn government
Neither the secret state nor the armed forces have undergone any kind of fundamental change, warns Jack Conrad. They remain a clear and present danger
Supplement: The birth of a new system
As well as celebrating the Russian Revolution, says Jack Conrad, we should never forget the counterrevolution
Fossil fuel era continues
Predictions of an imminent decline of oil are misplaced, argues Jack Conrad. Along with global temperatures, consumption is set to rise
Failed recipes
We must relearn the art of thinking strategically. Jack Conrad joins the debate on Israel-Palestine
False memory syndrome
Far from being disproved by 1917, the standing programme of Bolshevism found vindication, argues Jack Conrad
Mission Mars, or mission Earth?
Donald Trump’s budget for Nasa contains no swingeing cuts. There will, though, be a change of focus - away from Earth and, instead, towards deep space and sending people to Mars. Jack Conrad says we would be well advised not to welcome such a hugely expensive diversion
Jesus: armed and dangerous
Forget the virgin birth, the stable, the wondrous star, the shepherds and the wise men, the massacre of the innocents and the angel of the lord telling Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt. All pure invention. Jesus was an apocalyptic revolutionary, says Jack Conrad
Overthrowing a false prophet
Jack Conrad reviews: Chris Knight, 'Decoding Chomsky', Yale University Press 2016, pp285, £18.99
Our strategy and tactics
Jack Conrad looks at the referendum - and beyond that to the challenge of continental unity
A continent of the mind
Jack Conrad shows that the European Union has been shaped not only by rival state powers, but by class politics too
Without monarchies or standing armies
Jack Conrad explores Leon Trotsky’s strategic thinking
A highly serviceable political weapon
Jack Conrad discusses Lenin and the ‘United States of Europe’ slogan
Better bad unity than bad disunity
Jack Conrad examines the German question in light of the perspectives of the Marx-Engels team
One, two, three revolutions
Jack Conrad argues that democracy in the United States is corrupted and far from complete. The working class must finish what 1775 began
Everything in socio-economic context
By equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, the bourgeois establishment is determined to brand a racist anyone who dares criticise the Israeli state. Ahistorically plucking out a few phrases from On the Jewish question, it levels the exact same charge against Marx too. Jack Conrad puts the record straight
Strategic bankruptcy confirmed
Localists score a practical victory. A directionless leadership blows it with Momentum. Communist Platform makes its final bow. Jack Conrad reports on an eventful February 20 meeting of the LU national council
Popular militia vs standing army
Jack Conrad takes issue with those on the left who oppose, shun or want to keep silent over a basic democratic demand
A contested Jesus
Respect the longevity of Christianity, but, says Jack Conrad, separate myth from reality
Charting our future
Jack Conrad offers his recommendations for the November 21-22 conference
Second amendment Marxism or inveterate pacifism
Jack Conrad and Salman Shaheen debated the right to bear arms
Anatomy of a conference
Jack Conrad offers pre-conference assessments and recommendations
New foundations, new orientation
Communist Platform has drafted the following motions, together with our code of conduct, disputes rules and equality policy. Comrades are urged to secure Left Unity branch support for them and our alternative constitution
A constitution fit for purpose
The Communist Platform has agreed to submit an alternative constitution for Left Unity at the November 21-22 national conference, when a whole day has been put aside to discuss the question. The current constitution, widely regarded as being unfit for purpose, stretches to 6,000 words and the CP is proposing it should be replaced by this much shorter and more concise document
Confusion and disarray
In light of Corbyn’s success the left needs to seriously examine why it gets the Labour Party so wrong, says Jack Conrad
Bureaucratic centralism and its apostates
Jack Conrad argues that SWP claims about the pre-1917 Bolshevik organisation are bogus
Divisions come to the surface
Jack Conrad argues for a strategic approach towards the Labour Party
Truth, not myths, serve our cause
Why do comrades on the left insist on repeating evident falsehoods about Lenin and the Bolsheviks, not least when it comes to 1917? Jack Conrad replies to Jim Creegan
Some hard thinking is needed
After the general election the left needs to do more than carry on protesting, argues Jack Conrad
Humans, nature and dialectics
Sadly Marxism must be defended against some who claim to be Marxists, or at least sympathetic to Marxism. Jack Conrad shows that this is especially the case when it comes to attacks on Frederick Engels and his work on the dialectics of nature
Lenin’s programme found vindication
Jack Conrad argues that, far from being disproved by 1917, the established strategy of the Bolsheviks was continued and enriched
Lessons of the Great Strike
Recognising the nature of the defeat at the end of the Miners' Strike was hard for the left, argues Mark Fischer
After the death of Jesus
According to western Christian mythology, Jesus died on Good Friday and came back to life three days later on what we now call Easter Monday. But, argues Jack Conrad, Jesus and his first followers were not Christians, but Jewish revolutionaries. It was Paul who invented Christianity
One year of the miners’ strike
Mark Fischer presents two articles originally printed in The Leninist at the end of the miners' strike
Aims, deals and recommendations
Jack Conrad reports from the Communist Platform’s steering committee
A misjudged Bonapartist initiative
Jack Conrad urges LU members to protest against leadership violations of our constitution
In mortal danger
At the end of the miners strike in 1984-85 the question became whether it was possible to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
A well-ordered militia
The Greens are under attack because of their ‘insane’ attitude towards the army. Meanwhile, observes Jack Conrad, the left continues its cowardly silence
Facing up to reality
The left found it hard to accept defeat in 1985
A death in Wales
The miners needed to defend themselves. Mark Fischer discusses how difficult that was.
Not fit for purpose
Jack Conrad shows that the LU constitution internalises trade union defeats and contains self-defeating time bombs
Neither meek nor mild
Jesus was a rabbi, a communist and a brave revolutionary, argues Jack Conrad
Ramsay MacKinnock and Judas Willis - Dump them!
The tone of this Jack Conrad front page from the December 1984 issue of The Leninist reflects the urgent situation the miners found themselves in at the end of the year. With the divisions in the union’s ranks hardening and the lack of effective solidarity from the wider workers’ movement, the strike was approaching a crossroads. While there was still everything to fight for, there were some ominous storm clouds gathering
Mission Mars and the final frontier
The successful Orion flight has revived dreams of returning to the moon or even going straight to Mars. Yet, no matter how marvellous the technology, Jack Conrad warns that the left would be ill-advised to cheer on the project
Left Unity: Background, prospects and secret trials
Jack Conrad introduced a session on Left Unity at this year’s Communist University
Organise the militant minority
The attacks on the miners were aimed at breaking organised labour in general; but union bureaucrats failed to rise to the challenge of building mass solidarity. Jack Conrad argued for a rank-and-file movement in this Leninist reprint
Yes campaign: In false colours
There are unmistakable parallels between ‘Scottish socialism’ and ‘proletarian nationalism’. Jack Conrad issues a health warning
Determination of revolution
Jack Conrad contrasts the Scottish left-nationalist demand for separation with the communist demand for self-determination
More than a union of two crowns
Jack Conrad shows that Scottish national consciousness is complex. Historically there is an unmistakable British dimension
The myth of the English yoke
Was Scotland subject to an English takeover in 1707? Does Scotland suffer from English internal colonialism? Jack Conrad questions the myths and assumptions of Scottish nationalism
Nationalist myths are not Marxism
Jack Conrad argues against the left-nationalist claim that Scotland is an oppressed nation. Indeed, prior to the 1707 Act of Union Scotland was not a nation
Scotland: Sinking loyalism and lifeboat nationalism
Jack Conrad looks at the politics of September 18
Left Unity: Arms and our moderate speaker
Jack Conrad takes issue with Salman Shaheen’s cowardly rejection of the demand for a popular militia
The Leninist: First conference makes decision to go monthly
In January 1984 we organised the First Conference of Supporters of The Leninist, where the decision was made to go monthly
The Leninist: Before this there was that
Jack Conrad recalls the genesis of the CPGB’s Leninist faction and its enduring legacy
Plans for the hard left
Jack Conrad outlines the thinking of the CPGBs Provisional Central Committee
In praise of the Communist Platform
Text of Jack Conrad's contribution to the Platform debate at Left Unity's conference
USSR: Getting the Soviet Union right
On the 96th anniversary of the October Revolution, Jack Conrad engages with the Russian question
Left Unity: Communicating across the archipelago of isolation
Jack Conrad puts the case for clear principles and greater boldness. This is an edited version of his opening contribution to the Fighting for a mass partysession at Communist University
SWP leadership: Laughable history produces laughable results
Jack Conrad argues that the pre-1917 Bolshevik model of organisation should be properly studied and properly understood
Left Unity: The spirit of ’45?
What do we hope will come out of the May 11 Left Unity conference? Following Nick Wracks speech at the April 27 London Communist Forum, Jack Conrad replied for the CPGB. This is an edited version of his response
Capitalist decline: Thatcher in history
Jack Conrad explores the conditions which created Margaret Thatcher and takes issue with the great person version of history
Programme and Party: Broad bad, mass good
Opportunists require mushy politics and meaningless phrases when they set out to deceive. Jack Conrad argues in favour of a mass working class party and the kind of principles and politics outlined in the Communist manifesto, the Erfurt programme and the programme of the Parti Ouvrier
SWP and programme: Transitional regression ends in a hunch
Is the so-called transitional method the road to revolution? Jack Conrad argues against the economism of the Socialist Workers Party
SWP crisis: Programme and the programmeless
Why do communists place such importance on their programmes and why does the SWP central committee expel oppositionists who advocate developing one? Jack Conrad begins a short series of articles
Nature and Programme: Wealth of nature and counterfeit Marxism
Why does SWP Online insist on carrying anti-Marxist nonsense? Jack Conrad shows why root-and-branch change is long overdue
SUPPLEMENT: Origins of the crisis in the SWP - part two
Third-period Blairism and the necessity of demystifying Bolshevism
SUPPLEMENT: Origins of the crisis in the SWP - part one
The Soviet Union question
Keynes: The great saviour and his leftwinger converts
Capitalism is in terminal decline. So why, asks Jack Conrad, do so many on the left advocate not socialism, but increased government spending, deficit financing and Keynesian solutions?
Contours of green thought
Greenism is hobbled by two fundamental faults. It cannot tame capitalism, nor does it offer a realistic way of superseding capitalism. Jack Conrad explores its limitations
A blunder of historic proportions
Voting for the Muslim Brotherhood was a vote for a party of counterrevolution, not the revolution. Jack Conrad examines MB's origins, ideas and evolution
A weapon for the movement
Comrades in London are beginning their collective study of Marx's Capital. Jack Conrad introduces what is still an unequalled work
SUPPLEMENT: Classical Marxism and the general strike
Lenin and the United States of Europe
Jack Conrad takes issue with the attempt to recruit Lenin to the CPB nationalist camp
Political suicide or managed decline?
With the sovereign debt contagion spreading, the euro facing existential crisis, the possibility of a US default and gold prices hitting record highs there is a real possibility that capitalism is heading for a further sharp downturn. But, asks Jack Conrad, does Keynesianism offer a way out?
The sigh of the oppressed - part 2
Jack Conrad continues his examination of Marx and Engels and their criticism of passive materialism, theological atheism and religion
The sigh of the oppressed - part 1
Jack Conrad examines Marx and Engels and their criticism of passive materialism, theological atheism and religion
Not our solution to their crisis
The economic crisis is far from over. But does Keynesianism offer a way out? No, argues Jack Conrad. Keynesianism is thoroughly elitist, anti-working class and pro-capitalist
When all the crap began: Supplement Part 2
Women's oppression, class, organised religion, war, and private property are not natural, writes Jack Conrad
When all the crap began: Supplement Part 1
Women's oppression, class, organised religion, war, and private property are not natural, writes Jack Conrad
The phases of communism
Jack Conrad concludes his discussion of the CPGB's Draft programme by looking at socialism and the dictatorship of the proletariat
Neoliberal ghosts and the art of brevity
Jack Conrad answers criticisms of the CPGB's Draft programme in the second of a three-part article
Goldilocks and the communist programme
In an opening article, Jack Conrad picks out and assesses various criticisms of and alternatives to the CPGB's Draft programme
Royalist nationalism, opposition prophets, and the impact of exile and return
Jack Conrad concludes his survey of Ancient Israel (supplement III)
Peasant socialism and the persistence of polytheism
Jack Conrad continues his survey of Ancient Israel in Supplement II
Religion, class struggles, and revolution in ancient Judea
Jack Conrad examines Ancient Israel (supplement)
Marxism, nature, and proposition one
Why is the SWP commitment to ecological thinking doubted? Jack Conrad looks at the 'What the Socialist Workers Party stands for' column which appears every week in Socialist Worker
Origins of religion and the human revolution - pt2
Jack Conrad gives his assessment of some of the main theories and asks what apes can teach us
Origins of religion and the human revolution - pt1
Jack Conrad gives his assessment of some of the main theories and asks what apes can teach us
Dead Russians
Jack Conrad defends Lenin and Trotsky, and issues a health warning about Arthur Scargill, George Galloway, Robert Griffiths and others who want to forget, belittle or maintain silence over the crimes of Stalin
What is fascism?
Is it a matter of principle that communists should attempt to deny organisations of the extreme right a platform? Jack Conrad provides historical background in support of his motion to be put to the February 9 CPGB aggregate
Uses and abuses of Jesus
Even in the 21st century Jesus is still a much prized figure. In this the second chapter of his new book Jack Conrad shows how Jesus has been used and abused by almost every political persuasion
Powerful because it coherently explains
Jack Conrad defends dialectical materialism against positivist critics
A rough guide
The Campaign for a Marxist Party holds its reconvened conference this weekend. Jack Conrad looks at the main motions, amendments and political issues
Jack Conrad replies
Tell it like it is
The CPGB has been much criticised over its willingness to use the enemy's media and its insistence on defending free speech. Jack Conrad explains why communists should stand against censorship and strive to expose opportunism
Beyond the prison walls
How should communists respond to any upsurge in industrial action? Last month's POA dispute offers some useful lessons. Jack Conrad examines the arguments
Frederick Engels and nature's dialectic
Sadly Marxism must be defended against some who claim to be Marxists, or at least sympathetic to Marxism. Jack Conrad shows that this is especially the case when it comes to attacks on Frederick Engels and his work on the dialectic of nature
Proposition number one and one-dimensional Marxism
The SWP leadership has jumped on the 'stop climate change' bandwagon. But, argues Jack Conrad, if they want to be taken seriously the first thing for them to do is to reformulate their proposition one
Labour left in crisis
Jack Conrad and Jim Moody comment on John McDonnell's failure to get onto the ballot paper for the Labour leadership election
Ten versus ten
Jack Conrad offers an alternative to the Socialist Party's method and its programme in the run-up to this Saturday's conference of the Campaign for a New Workers' Party
Space, the final frontier?
Going to the moon and space travel and are back in the news, writes Jack Conrad. But the left would be daft to fall for the sci-fi hype
The test of 1917
Did events force Lenin to jettison his 'democratic dictatorship of the proletariat and peasantry' formulation after the fall of tsarism? Or was this formulation concretised in the republic of workers', peasants' and soldiers' soviets? Jack Conrad continues his study of the communist programme
Fantastic reality - Marxism and the politics of religion
Religion is back with a vengeance. George Bush and the US christian right, holy Tony Blair and Britain's islamophobia, Russia's reinstalled orthodox church and India's saffron communalism, the toxic evangelicalism sweeping Africa and Latin America, Saudi Arabia's puritanical wahhabism and al Qa'eda's terrorism of spectacle, the Iranian theocracy and everywhere, it seems, the escape into the trench warfare of religious identity. But what is religion? In this extract from the introduction to his new book, Jack Conrad shows that the answer is not as straightforward as it might first appear
Kautsky, Lenin and Trotsky
What were the differences, strengths and similarities? Jack Conrad investigates
Permanent revolution and state power
As Jack Conrad shows, the Marx-Engels theory of permanent revolution does not preclude the workers' party participating in government
Programming the Russian revolution
Like German social democracy, Bolshevism had a minimum-maximum party programme. It was their DNA. But, asks Jack Conrad, was their programme irretrievably flawed, as argued by Tony Cliff and the SWP?
Our republic
For too long the left has dismissed minimum-maximum programmes. Jack Conrad argues that as well as shortcomings, gaps and faults there is much that can positively be learnt from them
Programmatic masks and transitional fleas
Is Leon Trotsky's Transitional programme the last word when it comes to the Marxist programme? Or does it represent regression in Marxist terms? Jack Conrad argues against Trotskyite economism
Programme and its structure
Why do communists give their programme such importance and go to such pains to develop, guard and enrich it? Jack Conrad begins a short series by examining the background to the CPGB's Draft programme
Climate change and the necessity of communism
No to market solutions. Jack Conrad explains why capitalism is the problem
The limits of green politics
Green politics have caught on in a big way. Jack Conrad explores their contours, limitations and contradictions
Iraq exit strategy
Iraq shows the limits of US power and underlines the fact that it is in relative decline, says Jack Conrad
Benedict XVI and the struggle for Europe
There is more to the pope's Regensburg speech than a crude attack on islam. Jack Conrad investigates
In revealing company
Jack Conrad draws parallels between 'proletarian nationalism' and the SSP and Solidarity in Scotland today
The determination of revolution
Jack Conrad discusses strategy and contrasts Scottish national socialism with the communist demand for national self-determination
British duality and the class struggle
National consciousness is complex. As Jack Conrad shows, British national consciousness is particularly complex, being at the same time English, Scottish and Welsh. It also involves class and class struggle
Not oppressed but a joint oppressor
Was Scotland subject to a takeover by England in 1707? Does Scotland suffer from English cultural imperialism? Jack Conrad questions some more left nationalist myths and assumptions
Nationalist myths are not Marxism
Jack Conrad argues against the Scottish Socialist Party's claim that Scotland is an oppressed nation, an English colony. Prior to the 1707 Act of Union Scotland was not a nation
Defending national socialism is not Marxism
Jack Conrad begins an extensive reply to Bob Goupillot with an examination of the principle of 'one state, one party' and its history
No future in the past
Jack Conrad questions the romantic image of prehistory presented by green thinkers
Unity and the SSP
Is working class unity helped by a separate Scottish Socialist Party and the strategy for an 'independent socialist Scotland'? The following exchange took place recently on the Socialist Alliance internet discussion list between Bob Goupillot - a member of the Republican Communist Network (Scotland), one of the SSP's smaller platforms - and Jack Conrad. Things kicked off when comrade Goupillot defended the SSP after a posting by Jim Gilbert
What should have been done
Jack Conrad concludes his series of articles on the general strike
Changes and responses
Climate change is nothing new. Nor can we stop it. What we need, insists Jack Conrad, is a society that can cope with sudden change
Virtues and vices
Jack Conrad pays tribute to the role of the CPGB in 1926. But as well as heroism there were limitations
A study in bureaucratic inertia
Jack Conrad shows that, while the Tory government assiduously and ruthlessly prepared for the 1926 general strike, the TUC was content to pass left-sounding resolutions
Days of black and red
In the second article on the general strike and its turbulent background Jack Conrad looks at the delayed birth of the CPGB and the course of events from black Friday to red Friday
80 years since the general strike - From world war to councils of action
Jack Conrad begins a series of articles examining the 1926 general strike
Darker shades of green
Jack Conrad questions the romantic images presented by green primitives and cautions against the seductive lures of ecofascism
Greenism and neo-Malthusian pseudo-science
In the first of three articles Jack Conrad argues that the global ecological crisis cannot be explained by crude overpopulation theories. Each social formation has its own laws, including laws of population
Self-determination and the British-Irish
Jack Conrad argues in defence of thesis 19
Prometheanism and nature
Technological Prometheanism and capitalism's profit-driven degradation of nature: Jack Conrad puts the case for revolutionary Prometheanism and sustainability
One-dimensional Marxism and proposition one
Why does the CPGB accuse the Socialist Workers Party of economism? Jack Conrad explains with a look at the 'where we stand column' in Socialist Worker and the comrades' attitude to nature, ecology and global warming
A world to save! A world to win!
Jack Conrad looks at climate change and the programme that communists should advance
The modern Janus
Respect purports to have something for everyone. In terms of programme, argues Jack Conrad, that means the attempt face two ways at the same time
Strikingly modern
On the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Communist Manifesto: Jack Conrad of the Communist Party of Great Britain
Economism and the necessity of programme
Jack Conrad argues that the left is crippled by its flattery of economic struggles - and the constant downplaying of the primacy of the political
Equality and the Euro gravy train
Peter Mandelson's nomination as Britain's EU commissioner sheds light on the undemocratic nature of the EU. Jack Conrad examines how communists should challenge this institution - to build a truly democratic Europe from below
Respecting programme
Jack Conrad contrasts the approach of the Bolsheviks to the tawdry attempts at self-justification by the opportunists in Respect
No respect for equality
Jack Conrad on the refusal of Respect to have its MP's on a workers wage thanks to the SWP
Respect and opportunism
Despite the failure of the SA the party question has not gone away: it is simply posed anew in the more difficult subjective conditions of Respect, writes Jack Conrad
Mission Earth
George W Bush is reportedly going to use his 'state of the nation' address on January 28 to announce plans to establish a permanently manned base on the moon some time over the next eight to 15 years, but what about the Earth? Jack Conrad takes apart the lunar madness
Big people and the small state
Tory leader Michael Howard declares: "I believe the people should be big. That the state should be small." This is a sentiment that authentic Marxists would wholeheartedly concur with, writes Jack Conrad
Bible myths and modern Israel
Jack Conrad looks at archaeological wars and bible myths
America versus Europe
George Bushs four-day state visit to the United Kingdom has provoked a storm of brilliant protests and tells us something about the state of imperialism, says Jack Conrad
United States of Europe - theirs and ours
Jack Conrad explains the communist vision
Party notes: Royal scandals and platonic republicanism
Paul Burrell's book 'A royal duty' has unleashed yet another crisis for the beleaguered British Royal family. Jack Conrad comments
Party notes
Jack Conrad takes a closer look at the new Peace and justice campaign
Party notes: Democratic centralism unites and directs
Jack Conrad continues the debate on revolutionary organisation following discussion at the CPGB's Communist University
Slogan wars
Jack Conrad discusses the problems of the left when it comes to opposition to an attack on Iraq
Armchair generals, or Saddam's leftwing allies
Many on the left entertain an agenda - overt or covert - of defending the Ba'athist regime of Saddam Hussein. Jack Conrad takes them to task
Stalin's system of terror
The 50th anniversary of Joseph Stalin's death on March 5 1953 has been used as an occasion to revisit the massive terror he personally ordered and presided over from the late 1920s onwards. Jack Conrad investigates the legacy of 'the man of steel'
The left and the Muslim Association
Jack Conrad discusses Marxist strategy and tactics
Preparing for power
In the seventh and concluding article in his series Jack Conrad peers into the future
Dictatorship of the proletariat: Bolshevism versus Kautskyism
In the sixth part of his series of articles Jack Conrad discusses the debate between Lenin, Trotsky and Kautsky
Proletarian dictatorship as theory and practice
In the fifth part of his series of articles Jack Conrad discusses the contradictory impact of the October Revolution
Russian means and the dictatorship of the minority
In the fourth of his series of articles Jack Conrad examines the background to Lenin's use of the word 'dictatorship' and the role played by the Mensheviks
Dictatorship of the proletariat and the Second International
In the third of his articles discussing peaceful and violent revolution Jack Conrad examines the use of the term 'dictator-ship of the proletariat' after Marx an Engels
Formulation nine and the dictatorship of the proletariat - part two
Jack Conrad continues his reply to those who have attacked the recently updated 'What we fight for' column as a move to the right
Formulation nine and the possibility of peaceful revolution
Jack Conrad begins a series on peaceful revolution
Debating the euro referendum
Operation Red Flag
Electorally we are mounting one of the biggest leftwing challenges to the Labour-Tory political establishment ever. Operation Red Flag.
Towards an SA pro-party bloc
Undoubtedly the Socialist Alliance has moved ahead in leaps and bounds in the couple of years since the Socialist Workers Party made its welcome turn towards elections. True, things began rather badly. The SWP decided to lift its siege mentality and embrace the Socialist Alliance ... but then momentarily and disastrously recoiled from the consequences. Fear conquered audacity.
Sect primitivism and a Socialist Alliance party
Inevitably the main underlying theme of the Socialist Alliance's March 10 conference concerned the period after the general election. Each and every debate at Birmingham was haunted by its attendant ghost of things to come.
We cannot replace New Labour by becoming old Labour
Over recent months Weekly Worker reporters and correspondents have repeatedly shown how the Socialist Alliance majority - in particular the Socialist Workers Party - have fallen in behind the separatist agenda of Scottish and Welsh left nationalists. Whereas our main enemy is tightly, effectively and malevolently organised across the whole of the United Kingdom state, we have irresponsibly divided and thereby weakened our fragile and meagre forces. A self-inflicted disunity that will do more than rob us of an all-Britain joint political broadcast. The wound runs far deeper...
Prioritise democracy
Examining the 'priority pledge' submissions to the Socialist Alliance's March 10 Birmingham conference is sadly instructive. Before us we have on parade economism lined up in neat regimented rows. An army of misguided innocence (see 'Our principles' Weekly Worker February 22).
Rescuing Lenin and Trotsky from 'Trotskyism'
For the first time since 1920 there is the distinct chance of uniting all serious revolutionaries in Britain in a single organisation and thereby starting the historically necessary process of building a viable mass working class party. The CPGB is absolutely clear, however, that as an aim we are against any and all centrist halfway houses, attempts to revive old Labourism, an artificial Labour Representation Committee, etc.
Vauxhall fightback
We should not only be protesting against General Motors on January 20. Anger must be focused squarely on the government and UK state. The Luton Vauxhall crisis highlights New Labour's obscene worship of the market and the inhuman values of capital. According to Tony Blair, issues such as the closure of Vauxhall are purely "commercial". His government is therefore committed not to intervene. Blair's government is afraid of jeopardising Britain's reputation - won through Thatcher's assault on trade union rights and power - that this country is dedicated to the accumulation of profit.
Coventry by numbers
Two unions, three rooms and three trends
Deeper unity not break-ups
New Labour no longer rides high in opinion polls. Yet tragically there exists no viable, all-United Kingdom, leftwing alternative. It is the Tories who have benefited from discontent and staged something of a mid-term recovery...
L'Union européenne et les communistes
Anti-capitalism
A decade after the self-collapse of bureaucratic socialism in the USSR and eastern Europe the world's big bankers and the pampered representatives of global capital meet over September 26-28. It is the IMF-World Bank's 55th annual conference and is being held in Prague with much fanfare - not least in order to mark the acceptance of the Czech Republic by the 'international community'.
Petrol protests: Jacobin rage
New Labour confronts its gravest crisis. There can be no doubting the seriousness of the situation triggered by the current wave of protests. Not only have petrol pumps run dry, but the government has assumed emergency powers to ensure deliveries of fuel...
Debunking the myth - part four
Neil Davidson The origins of Scottish nationhood Pluto Press, London 2000, pp264, pbk, £14.99
Debunking the myth - part three
Neil Davidson The origins of Scottish nationhood Pluto Press, London 2000, pp264, pbk, £14.99
Debunking the myth - part two
Neil Davidson The origins of Scottish nationhood Pluto Press, London 2000, pp264, pbk, £14.99
Debunking the myth - part one
Neil Davidson The origins of Scottish nationhood Pluto Press, London 2000, pp264, pbk, £14.99
Against independence, for a federal republic
Marxists start their immediate programme not with nations, but the enemy state, says Jack Conrad
James and the genesis of Christianity
British imports
Jack Conrad reviews 'Leave to remain', written by Leon London and directed Lisa Goldman (Battersea Arts Centre, until December 12, £8 or £5 concessions)
The Labour Party and Livingstone
Party notes
Armstrong’s weak polemics
Jack Conrad discusses the CPGB’s stance on the British-Irish in the light of history
British-Irish debate: Two approaches
Critics of the Communist Party’s 20 theses are inconsistent democrats, writes Jack Conrad
Bolshevism and consistent democracy
Jack Conrad replies to José Villa on the rights of peoples to self-determination and the struggle for socialism
British-Irish: once again
Jack Conrad argues that communists must champion the democratic rights of all peoples
Statement
Self-liberation or vicarious nationalism
Jack Conrad replies to Steve Riley and renews his call for a democratic approach to the British-Irish question
Blair’s province of crisis
Ireland and the British-Irish
Party notes
Europe and the politics of the offensive
‘Time bomb’
Labourism or communism?
Auto-Labourism in crisis
Neither war nor peace
Spontaneous economism and the challenge of revolutionary democracy - part two
Marxism and national self-determination
Spontaneous economism and the challenge of revolutionary democracy - part one
Marxism and the democratic republic
Crisis of perspectives
Party notes
Open letter to SWP members
Scottish national socialism and its red prince - part 4
Jack Conrad concludes his reply to Allan Armstrong of the Scottish Socialist Party
Scottish national socialism and its red prince - part 2
Jack Conrad replies to Allan Armstrong of the Scottish Socialist Party
Scottish national socialism and its red prince - part 1
Jack Conrad replies to Allan Armstrong of the Scottish Socialist Party
Defeatism or Defencism
The CPGB’s refusal to ‘defend Iraq’ is no error. Jack Conrad replies to James Paris of the Marxist Workers’ Group
Moralism and morality
Jack Conrad reviews 'You’ll have had your hole', written by Irvine Welsh and directed by Ian Brown (Astoria 2, London, February 2 - March 27, Mondays to Thursdays £14.75, Fridays to Saturdays £16.75, cons £10)
Political problems, political solutions
Royston Bull’s election as SLP vice president demands a principled response
Jesus: from Jewish apocalyptic revolutionary to imperial god
Jack Conrad describes how an ideology of the oppressed became the ideology of the oppressors
Unenlightened myth
A reply to the Communist Tendency in the Scottish Socialist Party
A common perspective
In reply to Dave Craig, the CPGB’s Jack Conrad reasserts the need for opposition to the Scottish Socialist Party and the correctness of pursuing communist rapprochement
Apologetics behind fog of philosophy
Jack Conrad replies to Phil Watson
Behind the mask of Trotskyism
Reply to Ian Donovan of ‘Revolution and Truth’. Part three: self-liberation, democracy and economism
Behind the mask of Trotskyism
A reply to Ian Donovan of 'Revolution and Truth'. Part one: Lenin and the Russian Revolution
Act in haste, repent at leisure
Network of Socialist Alliances launch
Groping towards a theory
Jack Conrad reviews 'The fate of the Russian Revolution Vol 1', edited by Sean Matgamna (London 1998, pp603, £16.99)
Trotskyite economism or revolutionary democracy?
Jack Conrad (CPGB) and Dave Craig (RDG, faction of the SWP) reply to Ian Donovan, editor of Revolution and Truth
Appeal to members
Scottish Socialist Alliance takes nationalist road
Workers’ unity, not national socialism
Peter Taaffe and Scottish Militant Labour are on the verge of divorce. But this is no private affair. Shamefully in the name of defending Marxism both sides want to break up the historically constituted working class in Britain along nationalist lines
Hatching a conspiracy
Every Sunday until June 28 there is an explosive happening of music, poetry, film and performance at the Battersea Arts Centre running under the title ‘Conspiracy’. But, say its organisers, this is only the beginning. They want to create a new counter-culture, a theatre fit for the 21st century. Jack Conrad spoke to one of its founders and main movers Tam Dean Burn
Theatre of dissent
Jack Conrad reviews 'Seeing Red - part two', May 26 - June 14, Battersea Arts Centre, directors Lisa Goldman and Deborah Bruce
Rapprochement
Party notes
Irish referendum - Boycott May 22
Reviving the political
‘Seeing red’ is a festival of new political plays sponsored and produced by the multi-award winning Red Room. It brings together 16 of the most interesting and thought-provoking voices in British theatre, among them Peter Barnes, Kay Adshead, Judy Upton and Roddy McDevitt. Marking the 30th anniversary of the revolutionary situation in France and the 1st anniversary of the New Labour government, the season is designed to bring the political back into theatre. Jack Conrad spoke to Lisa Goldman, the Red Room’s artistic director
National communism and brother No1
Death of Pol Pot
Easter reaction
For democracy
Under Blair’s May 7 rigged referendum Londoners will not have the option of voting for an assembly without a mayor, or any say in the powers of the new London assembly
When Robert Griffths was anti-British road
Here we reprint edited extracts from an important document published in The Leninist (March 20 1987), the forerunner of the Weekly Worker.
Boycott Blair referendum
Government proposals for a strong London mayor and a weak Greater London Authority must be rejected
Reaction marches
New Labour running scared as Tories take to the streets
Openness and organisation
The January 31 aggregate reunited the ranks of CPGB members
Programme of liberation
The Communist Manifesto is no historical footnote, writes Jack Conrad. In its essentials it remains a brilliant analysis of the necessary conditions for and means of making social revolution
Jesus: man and Myth
Christian doctrine portrays Jesus as a creepy, other-worldly figure; a man-god utterly indifferent to the savage occupation of the Jewish homeland by imperial Rome. But Jesus did not die in order to fulfil some divine plan. Nor was he betrayed by the Jewish people. Jesus was no ‘Christian’, writes Jack Conrad, but an apocalyptic revolutionary whose message was universal human liberation
Liquidationist confusion
Jack Conrad replies to comrades Nick Clarke and Mary Ward
Our slogans and reality
A reply to comrade Dave Craig
For a federal republic
Workers need an alternative both to Blair’s new constitutional monarchy and all shades of nationalist separatism
Sober assessment, yes. Liquidationism, no
There are differences on more than the September 11 referendum
Party notes
Tory divisions point to split
For optimism
Communists must come to a correct assessment of the September 11 referendum in Scotland so as to take the next step forward. There is no room for pessimism, every reason for optimism
Echoes across the century
Jack Conrad reviews 'The strange death of Liberal England' by George Dangerfield (London 1997, pp364, £14.99)
Party notes
Party notes
Trotsky’s ‘slur’
Party notes
New Labour, New Britain, New Monarchy: New Enemy
The death of Diana Windsor gives Blair a unique chance to slot the monarchy into his plan to remake the United Kingdom constitution and Britishness
Death of a troublesome princess
International or national socialism?
Jack Conrad damns all attempts to build national socialism in the epoch of global capitalism
Truth and invention
Blair’s government has created a crisis of invention on the left but not a crisis of expectations amongst the masses, argues Jack Conrad
Where now for the left?
Labour’s victory certainly changes the political outlook of revolutionaries, but is there a crisis of expectations?
Marxism and feminism - matchmakers not needed
Jack Conrad replies to comrade Ann Morgan
The call for an active boycott
Scottish Militant Labour supports Blair’s parish council
Scottish Militant Labour: from Labour to SNP?
Having broken with Labour does SML now want to find a home as the left wing of Scottish nationalism?
Champions of pessimism
Should revolutionaries fight Labourism in the ballot box?
SML and the opportunist art of the possible
Debate in the Scottish Socialist Alliance on what attitude to take on Blair’s ‘rigged referendum’ has exposed SML’s dangerous opportunist method
Time for a working class alternative
Revolutionary campaign must challenge rotten New Labour bloc
Neither reformism nor nationalism
Where will SML’s reformist socialist-nationalism lead?
Militant Marxism or militant nationalism
Jack Conrad discusses how Scottish Militant Labour wants to weaken, not overthrow the UK state
SUPPLEMENT: Genesis of bureaucratic socialism
Part III – Terror
Living dead
SLP in crisis
Sikorski quits
SUPPLEMENT: Genesis of bureaucratic socialism
Part II - Second revolution
SUPPLEMENT: Genesis of bureaucratic socialism
Part I
For a federal republic of England, Scotland and Wales
For Scottish self-determination
SUPPLEMENT: Advance from vanguardism
On April 30 members of Open Polemic ended their membership of the CPGB. Here we print their reply to criticism of that decision published in Weekly Worker (May 9 1996). Below Mark Fischer replies and we print three documents submitted to the OP conference on December 1 from CPGB comrades
SUPPLEMENT: Essays on the general strike - Part V
France 1968
Open Polemic runs away
We call them back. The rapprochement process should not be jeopardised lightly
Bourgeois paradigm and democratic tasks
Continuing a discussion on the nature of revolution
SUPPLEMENT: Essays on the general strike - Part IV
The 1926 General Strike
SUPPLEMENT: Essays on the general strike - Part III
From war to aborted general strike
Menshevism in microcosm
Because they represent a real movement of the working class the Socialist Labour Party and Socialist Alliances have thrown into sharp relief the theoretical and programmatic limitations of many revolutionaries. The Trotskyite group, Workers Power, provides a case study
SUPPLEMENT: Essays on the general strike - Part II
Britain’s crisis: From origins to World War I
Thatcherism vs Scargillism
The miners’ Great Strike of 1984-5 pitted the reorganised Tories against the syndicalistic politics of Scargill. Our class must learn the vital lessons from this titanic clash
Communists and the Socialist Labour Party
Should partisans of the working class shape the SLP or attack it from the sidelines?
SUPPLEMENT: Essays on the general strike - Part I
Classical Marxism and the general strike
SUPPLEMENT: Without Partyism there is no struggle for communism
Comments on RWT’s ‘The struggle for communism, yesterday, today and tomorrow’
Born of despair
Official religion is on the defensive but there is no room for complacency
Lenin’s misused consul
Jack Conrad reviews ‘John Maclean and the CPGB’ by Robert Pitt (London 1995, pp44, £1.50)
End of the Tory road
Whatever the outcome of the Tory election contest, Blair’s New Labour looks set for government. How should the revolutionary left prepare?
Establishment mourns one of its own
From the left to the right the politicians of the capitalist class lavished praise on Harold Wilson
After the clause
New Labour turns to liberalism. The left must turn from Labourism
SUPPLEMENT: Notes on rapprochement
Factions and the politics of Leninism
New clause four is pre-clause four
Labour, ironically under the rubric of ‘modernisation’, is about to transform itself back into a trade union backed liberal party
Party - for and against
The autumn 1994 issue of Communist Action carried an article by Jack Conrad (also published in the Weekly Worker of September 15 1994) and an instantaneous reply by its editorial board. We reprint this below, alongside Jack Conrad's further response. The fight for a ‘serious polemic’ continues
SUPPLEMENT: Party, non-ideology and faction
The tasks of the 21st century demand all partisans of the working class be united in one democratic centralist party
Apocalyptic revolutionary
Jesus did not sacrifice himself for our sins. He was a daring resistance leader who expected to win