Paul Mattick

Economic Crisis and Crisis Theory

Keynesian economics claimed to have overcome the problem of economic depressions. However, as Mattick argues that crises are inherent within capitalism and that neither the market nor Keynesianism can stop "the steady deterioration of the economy". Written in 1974, Economic Crisis and Crisis Theory is one of Mattick's most valuable contributions to the Marxist critique of political economy and radical theory in general.

Spontaneity and Organisation - Paul Mattick

"Taking refuge in the idea of spontaneity is indicative of an actual or imagined inability to form effective organisations and a refusal to fight existing organisations in a 'realistic' manner. For to fight them successfully would necessitate the formation of counter-organisations, which, by themselves, would defeat the reason for their existence."...

Marx and Keynes - Paul Mattick

The difference between a reformist and revolutionary analysis of economy.

The Masses & The Vanguard - Paul Mattick

Why the parties and unions are obstacles to be overcome - and the need for working class self-organisation.

Lotta Continua Interview with Paul Mattick

Interviewed in 1977 by Italian radicals, the late veteran council communist speaks on crisis, politics, organisation and revolution.

Paul Mattick Interview by J.J. Lebel

This interview was given in February 1975. It was never published. Initially it was aimed to be part of a radio programme on workers' councils which never went on the air. A French translation was added to the second French edition of Workers' Councils (Spartacus, November 1982). Reprinted from Vol. 4 "Workers Councils" -- Anton Pannekoek (ECHANGES), where it appeared as an appendix.

Otto Ruhle and the German Labour Movement - by Paul Mattick

Submitted by libcom on Jul 27 2005 12:26

Paul Mattick critically analyses Otto Rühle's role in the German Revolution.

Rosa Luxemburg in Retrospect - Paul Mattick

Mattick reconsiders the legacy of Rosa Luxemburg, particularly her critique of Bolshevism and her economic theory.

It will soon be sixty years since the mercenaries of the German social-democratic leadership murdered Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg. Although they are mentioned in the same breath, as they both symbolized the radical element within the German political revolution of 1918, Rosa Luxemburg's name carries greater weight because her theoretical work was of greater seminal power.

The New Capitalism and the Old Class Struggle - Paul Mattick

Mattick surveys the historical organisational forms of the old workers movement, and how a changing capitalism has either integrated them or made them redundant.

Critique of Marcuse and 'One dimensional man in class society' - Paul Mattick

Mattick challenges Marcuse's claim that capitalism can finally 'integrate' the proletariat into bourgeois society as a class with no remaining revolutionary potential.