Articles
Friday, September 1, 2017
The end of colonial rule in India was not a magnanimous gesture by British imperialism. In fact it had no choice as it faced a popular upsurge against its rule. To preserve its interests and influence it reached agreement with the Indian capitalist and landowning classes which passed power to them. Just as in Ireland it utilised partition to create divisions and hamper progressive development. The independence of Burma likewise was engineered do that Britain retained access to its economy and military bases. it was also saddled with a huge debt.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Following the revolt the Indian Army against British domination in 1857 the imperial power set out to learn lessons. The central one was that the policy of divide and rule must be rigorously enforced in the army and in civil life. So that different groups would not make common cause they were separated into different fighting units and differences and antagonisms were actively encouraged. Conflicts of religion, caste and nationality were nurtured as tool of British rule.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Karl Marx gives a contemporary account of the 1857 revolt of the Indian Army against British colonial rule. 160 years later his insights into its importance are still valid. In particular how opposition to imperial domination overcame the British tactic of divide and rule and Hindus and Muslims fought together against their oppressor.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Decent and affordable accommodation for ordinary people in London has been systematically undermined by national and local government policy and by the inflated market in housing. Social housing is increasingly hard to get and buying a home is completely unaffordable. How can this be changed?
Thursday, May 25, 2017
On June 8th we have the chance to change Britain: to end austerity and create a just society where everyone has opportunities not just the privileged few.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
The Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn promises a different Britain, for the many not the few. The Tories will use their election machine to try to replicate their success at the last election, however, predictions of a landslide have shaky foundations. There is everything to fight for.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
British imperial policy expressed in the Balfour declaration was behind the creation of the State of Israel. It was motivated by rivalries with other powers and a desire to undermine working-class movements, including the new revolution in Russia. It had little concern for Jewish people and even less for the Arab population of Palestine.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
The Russian revolution, although the most important and successful case, was part of a wider movement of mutiny, rebellion and strikes which were happening across Europe at the same time. In Germany and Hungary workers also seized power. in France there was wide spread mutiny in the army and navy and in Britain there was industrial unrest and resistance in the armed forces. Sympathy for the Russian revolution helped stop the military intervention aimed at the new socialist state.