Preparing for Power: a labour movement conference for the 'eighties (July 1983)
The Next StepTranscribed by hand from the page images and checked against them, not machine-read: this text can be quoted. Misprints in the original are kept and marked [sic].
Editorial note. This is the poster and week's timetable for Preparing for Power, the Revolutionary Communist Party's summer school of 16–22 July 1983 at the Polytechnic of Central London, issued as a pull-out with the next step no. 37. It is not the party's programme of the same name. Pages 4 and 1 are the two halves of one poster wrapped round the pull-out, so its text is given under page 1. Pages 2 and 3 carry the timetable, given column by column with each time slot as a heading; day names in square brackets are editorial. The pull-out has no printed page numbers. Misprints are marked [sic].
Printed page 1
A unique opportunity to find out everything you want to know about Marxism and working class politics. Learn theory, discuss politics, meet activists, share experiences have fun.
PREPARING FOR POWER
MARXISM AFTER MARX: The state of Marxist theory today — a full day to rescue the theory of proletarian revolution from the grip of armchair intellectuals. A WEEK OF SPECIALIST COURSES: Introduction to Marxism, Racism, Ireland, British working class, Women, Africa. DEBATES: The RCP and the left, Law and order, Irish solidarity, War and peace, Feminism. BENEFIT: The Republic plus support Films and more workshops
16-22 JULY, POLYTECHNIC OF CENTRAL LONDON, NEW CAVENDISH ST. LONDON
A LABOUR MOVEMENT CONFERENCE FOR THE 'EIGHTIES
RCP
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PREPARING FOR POWER A LABOUR MOVEMENT CONFERENCE FOR THE 'EIGHTIES
Marxism after Marx
A hundred years after his death, Marx's theory continues to provoke heated debate and argument. The first day of Preparing for Power is devoted to examining the state of Marxist theory today. We do so in the conviction that Marxism retains its force in charting the way towards the overthrow of capitalist power. To develop Marxism we have first to rescue it from the cliches, dogmas and academic pretensions that have turned the theory of working class revolution into a harmless diversion for the middle classes.
Specialist courses
There will be six specialist courses, each comprising five daily workshops. These will be held every afternoon from Sunday till Thursday, in two separate sessions — 2 till 4 and 4.30 till 6.30. Thus it will be possible to attend any two of the six specialist courses throughout the week.
INTRODUCTION TO MARXISM
Convenor: Frank Richards
This course shows that Marxism is not an esoteric dogma but is accessible to anybody who wants to change the world. It is oriented toward those who are new to Marxism, but will be sufficiently challenging to shake up even the most complacent.
RACISM
Convenor: Fran Eden
From Berlin to Brick Lane racist violence is on the increase. Yet in Britain many anti-racists are confused and pessimistic and the labour movement itself remains on the sidelines. In this course we examine the roots of racism, assess the record of anti-racist campaigns and chart out an effective response.
IRELAND
Convenor: Phil Murphy
This course aims to lift the veil that shrouds the Irish War. We will examine the main protagonists in the conflict and answer such questions as why Britain cannot withdraw its troops, why religious differences appear to have such force and why this bitter struggle has gone on for so long.
10.00 – 12.30
SATURDAY
OPENING SESSION: MARXISM SINCE 1945
From Althusser to Colletti, the celebrated Marxist theoreticians of the past 30 years are academics with no direct involvement in politics. A generation of armchair intellectuals has sought to reconcile the theory of proletarian revolution with pre-Marxist philosophies and contemporary trends from psychoanalysis to structuralism. They have made a bowdlerised Marxism an acceptable posture in diverse spheres of university life, while making Marxism itself seem obscure and irrelevant to the needs of the working class. Frank Richards assesses the degeneration of Marxist theory and outlines an approach to retrieving its revolutionary content.
SUNDAY
Workshop 1
The rise of Hitler
Fifty years after the Nazis came to power Sabena Norton asks why was the working class unable to stop Hitler?
Workshop 2
Zionism: roots and prospects
Nurtured in the ghettoes of Europe, Zionism has emerged as the scourge of the Middle East. Judy Harrison explores Zionism.
Workshop 3
US imperialism: upturn or decline?
The world's most powerful imperialist state faces a protracted crisis. Keith Tompson draws out the implications for the USA's rivals and its victims.
Workshop 4
Nuclear arms: from Hiroshima to Greenham Common
Millions stand in fear of nuclear weapons. Fran Eden assesses the anti-bomb movement and explains where it goes wrong.
MONDAY
Workshop 1
Germany 1923
Sabena Norton explains why the German Revolution failed and how it opened the doors to a prolonged period of reaction.
Workshop 2
Lebanon after the carve up
The Beirut massacre has ushered in a new period of instability in the region. Inez Landa draws up a balance of forces and identifies future trends.
Workshop 3
Japan: the quiet imperialist
During the past decade Japan has been discreetly building up its empire. Alan Harding exposes the activities of Japanese imperialism.
Workshop 4
Reagan and the working class.
Why is the American working class so divided and ineffective? Mick Hume provides some of the answers.
TUESDAY
Workshop 1
The Soviet Union under Andropov
Andropov has set out to solve the crisis of the Soviet economy. Frank Richards looks at the prospects for the Soviet Union in the 'eighties.
Workshop 2
Imperialism and Central America
In virtually every country in the area anti-imperialist forces face the military might of Washington. Phil Murphy explores the issues at stake.
Workshop 3
The debt mountain and the Third World
Inez Landa shows how the banking system works to enforce imperialist domination and argues why this system is bound to collapse.
Workshop 4
The significance of the 1983 General Election
Fran Eden analyses the results of the 1983 election and points to the future pattern of class relations in Britain.
WEDNESDAY
Workshop 1
The anatomy of Britain's economic crisis
Phil Murphy provides a detailed breakdown of the structural crisis of British capitalism.
Workshop 2
The Greens and the anti-nukes
The European ecology and peace movements have achieved widespread popularity and influence. Sabena Norton explains why and how far they can go.
Workshop 3
What's left of the Labour left
Despite its current paralysis, the Labour left remains the dominant force in the British labour movement. We look at its strategy, its composition and its future.
Workshop 4
Post-war reformism and the European working class.
Frank Richards explores the forces that have sustained and shaped reformism in the post-war years.
THURSDAY
Workshop 1
Thatcherism and the Tories
Who are the Tories? Is there a special brand of Thatcherism? Rob Knight looks behind the myths and explains what makes the Tories tick.
Workshop 2
The theory of value and its critics
Tony Allen reconstructs Marx's theory of value and shows why it has attracted so much criticism.
Workshop 3
What about the working class?
Is the working class a fast declining stagnant force? Does mass unemployment and structural change mean the end of the proletariat as a revolutionary force?
Workshop 4
The decline of the Communist Parties
Eurocommunism is dead and most of the parties face a major crisis of identity. Frank Richards analyses the crisis of Western Stalinism.
FRIDAY
The theme of the last day of Preparing for Power is Looking Ahead. Friday's workshops will be devoted to the different spheres of the class struggle at home and abroad. Speakers introducing the sessions will be advancing a strategy for combatting he [sic] drive towards war, for fighting racism and other forms of oppression in Britain and for building an effective workers' movement in industry. Details of the different sessions will be publicised during the course of the conference. Judy Harrison will be introducing the final plenary in the afternoon: And now let's Prepare for Power!
2.00 – 4.00
[Saturday]
Revisionism and social democracy
In the 20 years before the First World War Marxism was systematically revised by the reformist leaders of the labour movement. Judy Harrison examines the debates in the Second International and their legacy today.
Marx on the Irish Question
Marx's writings on Ireland illustrate the link between revolutionary theory and practice. Helen Simons examines his approach to national oppression to clarify its relevance to building an anti-imperialist movement in Britain today.
[Sunday]
Introduction to Marxism
The materialist conception of history
Racism
Racial oppression and capitalism
[Monday]
Introduction to Marxism
Capital: the basis of scientific socialism.
Racism
The workplace and the labour movement.
[Tuesday]
Introduction to Marxism
Marxist theory of ideology
Racism
Immigrant car workers in France
[Wednesday]
Introduction to Marxism
The Paris commune & Marx's theory of the state
Racism
USA: black struggles in the 'eighties
[Thursday]
Introduction to Marxism
Marx, a working class politician
Racism
How to unite and fight
[Friday]
And now let's prepare for power!
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BRITISH WORKING CLASS
Convenor: Mike Freeman
This timely course challenges all the old assumptions about the British working class, its institutions and its politics. The discussions will be particularly relevant to workers who are concerned with the decline of shop-floor organisation, new trends in industrial relations and the impact of unemployment.
WOMEN
Convenor: Kate Marshall
From Margaret Thatcher's 'return to Victorian values' to pro-family 'back to the home' campaigns, the rights of women are under attack. This course is designed for those who want to organise to hit back and to make the cause of women's liberation a central issue for working class politics.
AFRICA
Convenor: Charles Longford
The world crisis of capitalism is devastating Africa. While South Africa terrorises its neighbours, famine ravages the continent. Today imperialist rivalries threaten to engulf Africa. We look at the role of imperialism in Africa, paying particular attention to South Africa and its mission to make Africa safe for imperialism.
Workshops
Every morning – and alongside the specialist courses in the afternoon – we will be running workshops on a wide range of themes. These will include sessions on the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, the working class in the West, revolutions betrayed and issues in British politics. You can chose [sic] one of four workshops in the mornings and every afternoon one additional session will be running at the same time as the specialist courses.
Evening
Every evening will be packed with more discussion and debate for those who want it and films, music and entertainment for those who want to take a break. There will be food, drink and late night discos.
2.00 – 4.00 (continued)
[Saturday]
Was Stalin a Marxist?
From the mid-'twenties until his death in the 'fifties Joseph Stalin dictated the line for a generation of Marxists. Gareth Evans looks at Stalin's writings to reveal how many who today denounce him, remain under his influence.
Is there a British Marxism?
Marxism has always had weak roots in Britain. Traditions of working class self-education in Marxist theory have been largely destroyed. Mike Freeman argues that although the heritage is grim, future prospects are excellent.
[Sunday]
Ireland
Why Britain partitioned Ireland
Workshop
The politics of containment
Denise Taylor examines the extensive network of state-sponsored youth unemployment schemes.
[Monday]
Ireland
Orange sectarianism— anomaly or necessity?
Workshop
France: May '68
Flash in the pan or the first shot of the coming European revolution? As the far right riots in the streets of Paris, James Wood remembers May '68.
[Tuesday]
Ireland
Republicanism since Partition
Workshop
Revolution and counter-revolution in Spain
The Spanish Civil War was the last gasp of the European revolution. Rob Knight looks at its legacy for today.
[Wednesday]
Ireland
Women under imperialism
Workshop
The oppression of gays and the working class
Why are gays oppressed? Is gay oppression an issue for the workers' movement. We assess some attempts to fight for gay rights in light of the present 'back to Victorian values' offensive.
[Thursday]
Ireland
The longest war
Workshop
Poland since martial law
Gareth Evans discusses the persistence of Poland's crisis as the Pope heads home and working class discontent simmers.
4.30 – 6.30
[Saturday]
The high tide of Marxism
In the five years following the 1917 Russian Revolution Marxism reached its highest point to date. Frank Richards traces the emergence of the Communist International under Lenin and Trotsky and assesses its relevance for today.
Marxism and feminism
Were Marx and Engels male chauvinist pigs? Did they get their facts wrong? Kate Marshall agrees with the critics at least on one point – Marxism cannot be reconciled with feminism.
The theory of capitalist collapse
Today's Marxists reject Marx's theory of capitalist crisis as inadequate and outdated. Yet, as Phil Murphy argues, it is the theory of crisis that gives Marxism its revolutionary significance.
Beyond capitalism: Marx's theory of liberation
What exactly are we fighting for? Inez Landa examines Marx's notion of the transition from capitalism to a higher form of society.
[Sunday]
British working class
Who is working class?
Women
Why are we oppressed?
Africa
Working class in South Africa
Workshop
The USSR and the national question
National divisions continue to plague the USSR. Andy Clarkson looks at the reasons behind the persistence of chauvinism in the Soviet Union.
[Monday]
British working class
What is the labour bureaucracy?
Women
The trade unions and women's rights
Africa
Crisis in South Africa
Workshop
Is the USSR capitalist?
Tony Allen looks at the history of the theory of state capitalism and shows where this popular analysis goes wrong.
[Tuesday]
British working class
The emerging patterns of employment and unemployment
Women
The Labour Party and women's equality
Africa
Showdown in Namibia
Workshop
Are the NICs a threat to imperialism?
The newly industrialised countries are often portrayed as a threat to the imperialist order. Tony Allen analyses the consequences of the new international division of labour.
[Wednesday]
British working class
Wage bargaining
Women
The Soviet Union – a new form of oppression
Africa
Zimbabwe: compromise and oppression
Workshop
Policing the working class
Joan Phillips traces the history of the British police and examines the emergence of riot-policing, community policing and the illusions of accountability.
[Thursday]
British working class
Union organisation and politics
Women
The women's liberation movement – an assessment
Africa
How the Western powers line up
Workshop
Housing and the working class
Whilst the Tories press on with the right to buy council houses the number of homeless grows. Mike Wall looks at the politics of housing in Britain today.
7.30
[Saturday]
Workers Against Racism BENEFIT
The Republic
Plus support
[Sunday]
DEBATE
The police and Law and Order
The Round up
Powerful film of revolution betrayed by the Hungarian director Miklos Jancso
FILM INTERNATIONAL
[Monday]
DEBATE
War and peace, militarism and anti-militarism
Battle of Algiers
Pontecorro's [sic] brilliant portrayel [sic] of the Algerian national liberation struggle
FILM INTERNATIONAL
[Tuesday]
DEBATE
The Labour Party
Speakers from the Labour Party, Socialist Organiser, Workers Power and the RCP
The Longest War
World premiere of the Irish Freedom Movement video on British strategy in Ireland
VIDEO INTERNATIONAL
[Wednesday]
DEBATE
Ireland and Irish solidarity
Speakers from the Labour Party and the Irish Freedom Movement
The Travelling Players
Theodor Angelopoulo's stunning panorama of political upheaval and civil war in Greece.
FILM INTERNATIONAL
[Thursday]
DEBATE
WOMEN
Feminists, Marxist feminists and Marxists
Kuhle Wampa(1931)
Written by Brecht and directed by Dudow the film portrays the tensions faced by German workers during the Great Depression; followed by a discussion.
FILM INTERNATIONAL
[Box]
REGISTRATION
9am 16 July
Polytechnic Central London
New Cavendish St
London W1
[Coupon]
I would like to attend Preparing for Power and enclose £10 (£6 UB40).
I would like to attend the following specialist courses: ......................
NAME ......................
ADDRESS ......................
TEL ......................
ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED? ☐ Please bring a sleeping bag.
CRECHE REQUIRED? ☐ Ages of children?
Cheques payable to RCP Association. Send to BM RCP London WC1N 3XX.
Enquiries: 01-274 3951
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[This page carries the left half of the wraparound poster whose text is given, joined across the fold, under 001.]