marxism today index

cover
contents
ads & classified

Focus
Labour After Brighton • US Defence Proposals • TUC Reforms • Soviet Prices

Andrew Gamble Mrs Thatcher's Bunker:
the reshuffle and its consequences
The recent Cabinet reshuffle belied all expectations: it reinforced the position of the radical Right within the Government. Andrew Gamble, author of Britain in Decline, looks at where the Tories are going.

Simon Frith Youth in the Eighties
The experiences of youth in the eighties is quite different from previous postwar generations. Simon Frith, author of The Sociology of Rock, examines its implications .

Interview with Ken Livingstone
The GLC has embarked on a bold course of reform. In this interview, Ken Livingstone,
Leader of the GLC, explains what they are trying to do.

Goran Therborn Prospects for the European Left
The French elections have given new heart to the Left in Europe. But the picture remains very mixed. Goran Therborn, the well-known Swedish Marxist and author of What the Ruling Class Does When it Rules, argues that the Left's immediate prospects remain very uncertain.

John Grahl Reagan in Trouble
Wall Street has the jitters. Western Europe is worried. Is this a sign of things to come?

Channel Five
Sponsorship in Sport — Ron McKay
Post Punk Rock — Julie Burchill
Twilight in the Gods — Clive Barker
Television and the SDP — Justin Wren-Lewis

Discussion Alan Hunt Is the Marxist Tradition Democratic?
The author argues that the limitations of Lenin's contribution must be recognised.

Reviews
Aidan Foster-Carter —
Marxist Theories of Imperialism.
Imperialism: Pioneer of Capitalism.

Patrick Seyd -
The Future of Socialism. Face the Future. Politics is for People.
The Socialist Agenda

Notes

Marxism Today January 1981
Focus Football in Crisis Guinea-Bissau Coup Bob Rowthorn The Politics of the Alternative Economic Strategy For the first time in its history, the Left is now regarded as a serious political alternative. At the centre of this credibility is the alternative economic strategy. Bob Rowthorn, member of our editorial board recently awarded the Isaac Deutscher Memorial Prize for his book Capitalism, Conflict and Inflation, examines its strengths and weaknesses and argues that the Left must see it as part of an overall political approach. Interview with Ted Knight Cuts in public expenditure are a central feature of the Right's policy to deal with Britain's economic crisis. The struggle against those cuts is a key element of the fightback. The stand taken by the London Borough of Lambeth has been notable in this respect. In this interview, Ted Knight, Leader of Lambeth Council, assesses the success and problems of its stand. Jeff Rodrigues, Secretary of Lambeth Borough Communist Party, conducted the interview. Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe Socialist Strategy - Where Next? The seventies saw major innovations in revolutionary strategy. By and large, though, these advances were political rather than theoretical. In this article, Ernesto Laclau, author of Politics and Ideology in Marxist Theory and Chantal Mouffe, who edited Gramsci and Marxist Theory, look at the theoretical evolution of revolutionary strategy and consider the next stage. Simon Frith John Lennon The tragic death of John Lennon has robbed us of one of the truly great figures of postwar British culture. John Lennon, of all the Beatles, symbolised and helped to shape the great progressive changes of the sixties. Simon Frith, author of The Sociology of Rock and writer for the Melody Maker, considers John Lennon's achievement. Discussion Jill Brown, Pamela Trevithick, Carol Metters The Forward Face of Feminism The authors continue the discussion Lynn Garafola American Culture - a cop out The author looks at David Edgar's article which appeared in our October issue. Reviews Tom Litterick — The Shattered Peace. Pat Seyd — Labour in Power? British Social Democracy, A Short History of the Labour Party. Notes covers & adverts
Marxism Today February 1981
Focus TV Franchising • Local Government Finance • Sexual Violence David Plotke Reagan: is it as bad as it sounds? A right-wing Republican is now US President. American politics has shifted to the right. David Plotke, an editor of the American journal Socialist Review, examines the extent of this shift and the prospects for the US and the world with Reagan in the White House. Fred Steward The Politics of Technology Technological issues are now big politics. A few examples —microprocessing, nuclear power, Concorde, juggernauts — suffice to make the point. Fred Steward, a lecturer in technology policy at Aston University and member of the Communist Party's Science and Technology Committee, looks at why technology has become such a hot political and social question — and argues that the Left must develop a coherent view on the direction and control of technology. Tony Lane Merseyside under the hammer Jarrow and the South Wales mining villages both evoke memories of the thirties depression. Merseyside threatens to become a symbol of unemployment in the eighties. Tony Lane, at present a research officer for the TGWU based in Liverpool and author of The Unions Make us Strong, looks at Merseyside's plight and the growth of resistance. Discussion Dan Smith Goodbye to Detente? The co-editor of Protest and Survive and former vice-chairperson of CND looks at the decline of detente. Jane Darke Architecture: the past fights back A response to Richard Hill's article in our November issue. Johanna Wilson Import Controls - on the Left's terms The author argues that Import Controls can play only a limited role. Reviews Paul Levine — The Alternative Economic Strategy. There is an Alternative. The British Economic Disaster. Victor Kiernan — Scottish Capitalism. Alan Hunt — Pashukanis: Selected Writings on Marxism and Law. Notes covers
Marxism Today March 1981
FOCUS Labour's Battles • Trade Union Immunities • El Salvador Jean Gardiner Women, Recession and the Tories Women made important advances in the seventies. Now Thatcherism and recession have changed all that: women are under attack. Jean Gardiner, a member of our editorial board andco-author of The Political Economy of British Capitalism, looks at what is happening. Dave Triesman Football in Decline Football is Britain's great national winter sport. Yet it faces growing difficulties. Dave Triesman, a writer on sport, argues that football is in decline and only radical solutions can tackle the problem. Piero Borghini Italy: the intractable crisis Italy faces the most serious political crisis in Western Europe. Piero Borghini, a member of the Central Committee of the Italian Communist Party, looks at the nature of that crisis and the PCI's strategy. Interview with Alan Fisher Cuts in public expenditure have put the public sector unions at the centre of attention. NUPE is one of the largest. In this interview, Alan Fisher, General Secretary of NUPE and Chairman of the TUC, discusses the problems facing NUPE and the trade union movement generally. Francis Mulhern The Cambridge Affair Suddenly, the English Faculty atCambridge University has hit the national headlines. Francis Mulhern, author of The Moment of 'Scrutiny', discusses the issues involved. Discussion Bill Laughlan Labour's Long Haul The author discusses the implications of developments in the Labour Party for the Communist Party. Reviews Dave Cook — Politics and Power 2 David Parker — Ideology and Popular Protest Notes covers
Marxism Today April 1981
Focus The Budget • Education Cuts Interview with Arthur Scargill Since Thatcher took office the trade union movement has been on the defensive. The recent victory by the miners marked the first real break. It raised the spectre of 1970-74. In this interview, Arthur Scargill, the President of the Yorkshire Miners, looks at the significance of the Tory retreat, the problems now facing the labour movement, and longer term strategy. The interview was conducted by Dave Priscott, a member of the Executive Committee of the Communist Party and our Editorial Board. Stuart Hall The'Little Caesars' of Social Democracy The Council for Social Democracy represents the most important 'breakaway' from the Labour Party since 1931. Its avowed objective is a realignment of British politics and the emergence of the 'centre' as the dominant political force. In this article, Stuart Hall, co-author of Policing The Crisis, looks at its nature and significance. Japan: the Right on the Offensive The seventies saw major advances by the Japanese Left. Now the Right is on the offensive. But the Liberal Democrats underlying position is much weaker. In this special interview for Marxism Today, Koichiro Ueda, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Japanese Communist Party, examines political developments in the world's second most powerful capitalist country. Stephen Sedley The Growing Police Challenge The Police force has adopted an increasingly independent and strident position on law and order. The latest example is the Royal Commission on Criminal Procedure. Stephen Sedley, a barrister, looks at what is involved. Discussion Adam Sharpies The Politics of the Alternative Economic Strategy The author, who works for the Labour Party's Research Department, discusses Bob Rowthorn's article in the January issue. Paul Nicholls Goodbye to Detente? The discussion continues. Reviews Tamara Deutscher — Chinese Revolutionary Vic Allen — Challenge to Power Notes covers
Marxism Today May 1981
cover contents ads & classified Focus Poland • The 364 Economists • People's March for Jobs • Bondage Judge Shakes Giscard Sam Aaronovitch Unemployment - halting the slide There are now some 2.5 million officially unemployed. The prospect is for a further big increase. Unemployment has become a central issue in British politics. It will dominate the eighties. Sam Aaronovitch, author of The Road From Thatcherism and a member of the Communist Party Economic Committee, looks at the causes of unemployment, how it can be fought and what kind of policies are needed to tackle it. Paul Olive Realignment - the case of the Liberals The Liberal Party, although only a small parliamentary force, has consistently retained a significant electoral base. That base, moreover, has over the years been expanding. Now, with the emergence of the SDP, the Liberals are in a new position. Paul Olive, a Morning Star reporter, looks at the Liberal Party and its likely prospects. John Mathews The Politics of Cancer Cancer is one of the big killers. But can anything be done about it? John Mathews, untilrecently a trade union health and safety researcher, argues that environmental factors are the key problem. Jamaica in Turmoil The recent election saw the defeat of Manley and a victory for the Right. In this interview, Trevor Munro, general secretary of the Jamaican Workers Party, discusses the gravity of the setback, the reasons for it and what is likely to happen now. The interview was conducted by Ken Fuller. Discussion John Harrison The Politics of the Alternative Economic Strategy The co-author of The British Economic Disaster argues that the alternative economic strategy is too mild. Tom Durkin Goodbye to Detente? The author takes issue with previous contributions. Reviews Richard Johnson - Arguments Within English Marxism: One Dimensional Marxism - Althusser and the Politics of Culture Bernard Dix - The Road From Thatcherism Notes
Marxism Today June 1981
Focus France • Local Elections Tony Bunyan The Growing Power of the Military Traditionally, the armed forces have largely been excluded from civil life in Britain. That is beginning to change. Tony Bunyan, author of The Political Police in Britain and a member of the editorial group of State Research, looks at the way the military is steadily encroaching on domestic politics and what this means. John Kelly Steel - an irreversible decline? The decline of British Steel has been one of the most dramatic examples of deindustrialisation. John Kelly, a lecturer in industrial relations and researcher on the steel industry, looks at the causes of its decline, the trade union response and what kind of alternative is needed. Rodney Hilton The English Rising of 1381 In 1381 there was an extraordinary uprising against the established authorities. It was broad, it was far reaching and its consequences were profound. On the 600th Anniversary of the 'Peasant's Revolt', Rodney Hilton, Professor of History at Birmingham University, looks at what it was and what forces lay behind it. US Policy Toward Latin America Reagan's foreign policy is aimed at restoring American power and influence. Latin America occupies a central position in this design. The objective is to roll back the progressive advances. In this interview, Saul Landau, co-author of Assassination on Embassy Row, looks at some of the issues. The interview was conducted by Mike Gatehouse. Discussion Sam Russell, Ian Davison Goodbye to Detente? In these contributions to the discussion, the Foreign Editor of the Morning Star and the secretary of the Scottish CND respectively, look at some new questions. Brian Nichols The Politics of the Alternative Economic Strategy The author looks at the relationship between the alternative economic strategy and the fight against the cuts. Reviews Raymond Williams — George Orwell, A Life Andrew Chester — Memoirs of a Socialist Business Man Eileen Phillips — Microelectronics: Capitalist Technology and the Working Class Notes covers & adverts
Marxism Today July r1981
Focus The pound • SNP • Civil Service Dispute Brenda Kirsch Brixton and After Within the space of a year there have been two serious clashes between the police and a local community. Brenda Kirsch, who is active in Lambeth politics and was a member of the Lambeth Inquiry into Police-Community Relations, examines the underlying causes of the Brixton disturbances and some of its longer term implications. Interview with Wynne Godley The Cambridge Economic Policy Group has an unrivalled reputation for medium term economic forecasting. It has been a strong critic of the Tory government's deflationary policies and, for some time, a proponent of import controls. In this interview, Wynne Godley, the Director of the Group, discusses the impact of Tory policies, the prospects for the British economy and possible alternative policies, including those of the Left. The interview was conducted by Bob Rowthorn, a member of our Editorial Board, and Dave Currie. Dave Laing The Music Industry in Crisis The self confidence of the large record companies in the sixties has given way to gloom and pessimism in the eighties. Dave Laing, a writer on popular music, looks at the reasons for the decline and what the Left's response should be. Graham Trickey Reproducing Royalty In the month of the Royal Wedding, Graham Trickey, aMoming Star journalist, asks what its all about. Discussion Bert Ramelson Poland The author argues that the Polish Communist Party is going through a process of renewal. Judith Bloomfield Italy The author discusses the strategy of the Italian Communist Party. Reviews Caroline Rowan — Women Workers in the First World War. The Politics of Motherhood. Mark Harrison — Stalin's Successors: Leadership, Stability and Change in the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union Since Stalin. Ouanie Bain — Silver Linings. Notes covers
Marxism Today August1981
Focus Time Out • Claret and Blue • University Cuts • Riots and the Police Keith Cowling Can the British Car Industry Survive? The decline of the British car industry is without parallel in Western Europe. The one surviving British manufacturer, BL, is literally fighting for its life. Keith Cowling, Professor of Economics at Warwick University, examines the causes of the decline and how the industry might be saved. Vicky Seddon Violence Against Women: male power in action The Yorkshire Ripper case suddenly made violence against women a national issue. Yet it is not a new phenomenon: it is an everyday threat. Vicky Seddon looks at its roots and what needs to be done. Interview with Georges Seguy The French elections marked the most important election victory for the Left in Western Europe since the immediate postwar period. In this interview, Georges Seguy, general secretary of the CGT, France's largest trade union centre, discusses the problems and possibilities. Monty Johnstone Is the Marxist Tradition Democratic? The question of democracy is central to political advance in Western Europe. But is the Marxist tradition adequate to the task? Discussion Dave Forman The Politics of Cancer The author argues that cancer has many causes — and therefore a many-sided strategy is called for. Reviews Peter Higgins — What Unemployment Means. The Workless State. Mike Potter — Towards Socialist Welfare Work. Notes covers & adverts
Marxism Today September 1981
Focus The Tory Attack on Training The TUC West German Peace Movement The PLO Keith Dixon and Daniel Perraud France Moves Left The Left has finally ended over two decades of uninterrupted government by the FrenchRight. The recent elections could prove to be the most important for the European Left since 1945. The authors, both members of the French Communist Party, analyse the reasons for the Left victory, why the Communist Party fared badly, and likely prospects. Mark Harrison Defence: the Tory dilemma The Thatcher government promised major improvements in Britain's defence capacity. In the event, they have presided over a series of not insignificant cuts. The author, a lecturer in economics at Warwick University, looks at the Tory dilemma. Simon Watney Picasso The present exhibition at the Hayward Gallery is a reminder of Picasso's unchallenged position as the greatest artist of the twentieth century. Simon Watney, author of English Post-Impressionism, looks at Picasso's achievement. David Winchester Trade Unions and the Recession The new climate of mass unemployment and Thatcherism has put the trade unions on the defensive. David Winchester, lecturer in industrial relations at Warwick University, looks at the present state of the trade union movement and how it is responding. Discussion Ray Chatwin Brixton and After An examination of police-black relations. PE Demetriou The Music Industry in Crisis The author looks at independent labels. Reviews 28 John Allen — Britain's Black Population — Labour and Racism. Jeremy Hawthorn — Essays on Realism Notes covers & adverts
Marxism Today October1981
Focus Rise of US Dollar Fermanagh-South Tyrone SDP Tabloid War POLAND: COOPERATION OR CONFRONTATION? Interview with Mieczyslaw Rakowski Over the last year Poland has captured the world's headlines. The formation of Solidarity created a situation unique in Eastern Europe. The country continues to lurch from one crisis to the next. Mieczyslaw Rakowski is Deputy Premier and the government's chief negotiator with Solidarity. In this interview he discusses relations with Solidarity and Poland's prospects for the future. Interview with Lech Walesa The leader of Solidarity discusses its role and relationship to the state. Both interviews were conducted exclusively for Marxism Today in September by Monty Johnstone. Jeff Rodrigues The Riots of '81 This summer's riots have had a traumatic impact on the whole country. And their longer term consequences remain very unclear. The article examines some of the issues involved. George Rude The Riots in History The author of The Crowd in History looks at some historical precedents for the recent riots. Jean Gardiner and Sheila Smith Feminism and the Alternative Economic Strategy The alternative economic strategy has not only won the support of much of the labour movement but also gained wider recognition. It remains, however, at a rather general level. Here Jean Gardiner, co-author of The Political Economy of British Capitalism, and SheilaSmith, discuss what it should offer women. Dave Priscott Can Labour Succeed? The Labour Left has, over the past two years, made impressive advances. Yet the Right remains a powerful force, and there are signs of a major electoral crisis facing Labour. Dave Priscott, a member of the Editorial Board, looks at some of the questions. Channel Five The BBC Under Pressure — Jonathan Coe Sports Centres — Chris Lightbown The Odeon Closures — John Ellis Reviews Cynthia Cockburn — Slump City J Foster— Karl Marx's Theory of History: A Defence Notes covers & adverts
Marxism Today November1981
cover contents ads & classified Focus Labour After Brighton • US Defence Proposals • TUC Reforms • Soviet Prices Andrew Gamble Mrs Thatcher's Bunker: the reshuffle and its consequences The recent Cabinet reshuffle belied all expectations: it reinforced the position of the radical Right within the Government. Andrew Gamble, author of Britain in Decline, looks at where the Tories are going. Simon Frith Youth in the Eighties The experiences of youth in the eighties is quite different from previous postwar generations. Simon Frith, author of The Sociology of Rock, examines its implications . Interview with Ken Livingstone The GLC has embarked on a bold course of reform. In this interview, Ken Livingstone, Leader of the GLC, explains what they are trying to do. Goran Therborn Prospects for the European Left The French elections have given new heart to the Left in Europe. But the picture remains very mixed. Goran Therborn, the well-known Swedish Marxist and author of What the Ruling Class Does When it Rules, argues that the Left's immediate prospects remain very uncertain. John Grahl Reagan in Trouble Wall Street has the jitters. Western Europe is worried. Is this a sign of things to come? Channel Five Sponsorship in Sport — Ron McKay Post Punk Rock — Julie Burchill Twilight in the Gods — Clive Barker Television and the SDP — Justin Wren-Lewis Discussion Alan Hunt Is the Marxist Tradition Democratic? The author argues that the limitations of Lenin's contribution must be recognised. Reviews Aidan Foster-Carter — Marxist Theories of Imperialism. Imperialism: Pioneer of Capitalism. Patrick Seyd - The Future of Socialism. Face the Future. Politics is for People. The Socialist Agenda Notes
Marxism Today December1981
Focus European Peace Movement • Private Rented Housing • Polish Economic Crisis • Cancun —Third World Last? Coming in from the Cold A roundtable discussion with Tony Benn, Pete Carter and Jack Dromey The People's March for Jobs was an extraordinary success. Here Tony Benn discusses with two of its national coordinators why it was so successful and what lessons the labour movement should draw from it. Gwyn Williams Mother Wales, get off me back ? The image of Wales as a militant socialist country lives on. Gwyn Williams, Professor of History at University College Cardiff, argues this is now quite false: Wales is very different from what it was. Roger Woddis Santa in Crisis Even Santa Claus has hit hard times. George Catephores Greece in the hour of change Greece has shifted dramatically to the left. But George Catephores, a Greek economist living in Britain, argues that its most likely consequence will be to transform Greece into a modern European country. Ireland's Intractable Crisis Interviews with the UDA and the Provisional IRA Northern Ireland remains in a state of permanent crisis. Andy Tyrie and John McMichael from the UDA and Danny Morrison from the Provisional IRA, in exclusive interviews with Bob Rowthorn, discuss relations between the two communities and the prospects for a settlement. Channel Five Musicals — Bruce Cole Imperial Architecture Revisited —Rodney Mace The Indian Tour — Mihir Bose Reviews Michael Bleaney — The Political Economy of British Capitalism Theo Nichols — Architect or Bee? Living Thinkwork Notes covers & adverts