Pre-Soviet Imperialism

["Donal" <donaloc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Lenin would have clipped all extraneous text before replying to a message, so 
should you.
~~~~~~~~~

> > CB: Parenthesis like , Soviet  ...  20th Century ...   Union.


I assume that everyone agrees that we can see great similarities between
World Imperialism now and before the Russian revolution: the increased
freedom of finance capital, the rolling back of whatever benefits have been
won by workers, the more open bullying occurring with the IMF etc(under
Imperialist influence).

However, there are clearly differences, in particular, the degree to which
the US ruling class has an Imperialist Hegemony. Moreover, if they have full
hegemony then inter-imperialist wars are a thing of the past (the Kautsky
theory), if not, then we know what's next (eventually).

Another factor is to what degree does the workers, or even just populations
in general, in the FSU and China retain the capacity to seize power - as it
may be the case that whilst the EU are destined to fall before the US, the
FSU and China could offer more stiff resistance.

What are others opinions on the relative state of play, vis-a-vis 1912.

I note that no-one responded to my question on the role of Social Economy
projects in struggle - are these a largely Western European phenomenon? Or
are they an object of ridicule in serious 'Marxist' discussions?

Domhnall.