Re: empire & globalization, was... Re: AUT: Re:autonomistcrisis theory

["Chris Wright" <cwright@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tahir,

Sorry if I seemed off base, but I think Chomsky's idea that there is a cage
that is sometimes worth protecting does reflect a certain sentiment to be
found inthe anti-globalization forces, which is why I addressed it.
However, your point is well taken.

I made the other points I did because I don't think our fundamental
orientation has to change, however, you are right in raising the question of
being specific in an approach.  I think that the discussion of Negri and the
so-called end of the nation state is a key issue here (not because many
people read Negri, but because he also expresses in his own way a widespread
sentiment.)  I think it is interesting that environmentalism has radicalized
and inspired a layer of people in a way well beyond the politics of Earth
Day.

A key problem I see is the abscence of linkages, at least right now, between
anti-globalization in the US and the struggles of the African American
population.  One important work we could do is to help draw links between
globalization and the increasing militarization of daily life and state
violence (police brutality, death penalty, red squads, the crushing of
affirmative action and the increase in anti-immigrant policies, etc.)
drawing these things out, making connections in a way people could grasp,
could help the process of building bridges between the struggles, or at
least open more dialogue.

I also think that that raises the question of national oppression.  I waited
to say more because the state capitalism reply will have a fair amount on
that in it.  However, I also am still rethinking how I think about those
issues having left the easy confines of Leninism (I also tried to provoke a
similar discussion on the list, defending Lenin on that score, but as with
you, noone seemed interested.)  I am too tired to write much more now, but I
will try to think about it more and get something out.

Cheers,
Chris



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