The politics of the SWP

A political school for socialists

Hosted by the Alliance for Workers' Liberty, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July, 2000

London

The Socialist Workers' Party are the biggest group by far on the British left, although their real size is far less than their claimed membership, and their influence on the labour movement is smaller still. They do, however, make a fair showing of publicising themselves, and for non-revolutionaries, "the SWP" has become something of a catch-all phrase for the revolutionary left. Most people will come into contact with them sooner or later, even if they never meet a member of any other left group. For the AWL therefore, explaining and challenging the politics of the SWP is important.

The SWP is currently on a turn towards 'joint work'. Albeit in a not-very-democratic fashion, SWP members are being urged to set up broad organisations in the unions, and to collaborate in 'left alliances' elsewhere. So increasingly the opportunity arises for serious socialists to debate the ideas and history of the SWP with their own members and contacts. To prepare ourselves for this work, the AWL is holding a school on the 1st and 2nd July, 2000 in London.

For information on the venue and times of the school, or to register, contact Mark at the AWL office.

The preparatory reading is available on-line here:

1. Where the SWP came from
   Abridged introduction to a pamphlet, "A tragedy of the left", published in 1991 and now out of print.

2. John Bloxam and Colin Foster review 'The Great Strike' by Alex Callinicos and Mike Simons (published by Socialist Worker, £3.95).
   SO 225, April 1985

3. The Labour Party
   Clive Bradley, SO 235, July 1985

4. The Iran-Iraq War
   Clive Bradley
   In 1988 the SWP suddenly became very 'anti-imperialist'. It became a loud cheerleader for what it sees as progressive or revolutionary nationalisms.

5. The SWP and British troops in Ireland in 1969

6. Ireland and slogans
   Paddy Dollard, SO 299 January 1987