This is the final interview in our regroupment series which is looking at some of the new groups currently working in the UK and exploring the reasons behind their formation. We ask the Anti-Capitalist Initiative about their influences and analysis of the current state of the Left.
Originally published in September 2012.
This sounds like a sincere effort that could have a positive influence and lead to a stronger anti-capitalist movement. As ACI examines divisions within the left and debates how to achieve greater unity, however, I hope that sectarianism (i.e., unwillingness to work with those who do not agree 100%) will not be their sole focus. Fundamental and substantive differences exist which need to be addressed. This brings up one possible threat to the organization's stated goals. By not declaring any platform or guidelines whatsoever, the ACI starts out as a marketplace of anti capitalist ideas. If members enter with open minds and a willingness to learn from each other, new ideas and alliances could form. If instead members see ACI as a "recruitment opportunity" then ACI has no way to avoid becoming whatever the dominant group would like it to become. One example of a substantive difference can be seen in ACI's comment, "The left has been stuck at a dead end for over 80 years by generalising the strategies and politics from an era of political retreat when the revolutionary processes unleashed by the October Revolution were reversed." Many Leftists believe that the revolutionary processes unleashed by the October revolution were throttled nearly 95 years ago when the Bolsheviks gained control soon after the revolution, not 80 years ago, with the ascendency of Stalin. These sorts of differences are not trivial; they get to the heart of what a successful revolution is and how to achieve it. In any case, I wish ACI success in stimulating discussion along with greater (and principled) unity within the left.
''..the left questioning the basis of it's politics...'' sounds promissing - perhaps starting by questioning the assumption that there is a common 'left', beyond an assemblage of different protest campaigns, and which is genuinely anti-capitalist rather than a a radical version or left-wing of capitalism? Working class struggle will often unite workers from many different political perspectives and none in the struggle itself, but that doesn't necessarily imply that what passes for 'the organised left' today is useful or needed in that process.
Isn't this ex-WP, CPGB and others? It just feels like another left unity attempt by those bad disembarking from the trot and Leninist left.