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Jorge Martin, Spanish-language secretary of the International Marxist Tendency, spoke to the UCLU Marxist society on the crisis of capitalism in Europe. See below for the audio links to the introduction and reply to the discussion.

Jorge Martin gave a Marxist explanation of the history and class interests in the formation of the European Union, from a Steel and Coal trade pact towards a single currency. He explained the contradictions of the system, particularly the growing gap between highly productive Germany and the South of Europe, the social impact this is having throughout Europe - including the conditions forced on German workers - and why it cannot be sustained.

Afterwards a very interesting discussion ensued, with questions about internationalism, whether the European Union was a progressive entity, the prospects for a working class-led revolution in Europe and the various nationalist-reformist programmes of worker parties throughout Europe, including the Communist parties.

The European Crisis of Capitalism - Introduction

The European Crisis of Capitalism - Summing-Up
 
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The UCLU Marxist society again attracted a large audience of over 65 to hear Alan Woods, leading member of the International Marxist Tendency, speak at the first official meeting of the Autumn Programme on the question 'What is Marxism?'

Alan concentrated on the philosophical basis of Marxism: dialectical materialism. The Marxist Student Federation believes that the student movement must ally itself with the labour movement and build stronger links with the workers. In that respect a collection was held, where £60 was raised the local CWU's (Communication Workers' Union, representing the postal workers) strike fund, who are currently taking industrial action against the government's attempt to privatize Royal Mail.

Marxism is not just politics, it covers a vast expanse of philosophy, history, economics art and culture. But it is not just an interesting way of looking at the world, as Karl Marx said, "the philosophers have only interpreted the world, the point is to change it".

Click below to listen to the lead-off:

What is Marxism? - Introduction

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