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
After partition Pakistan was ruled by highly reactionary and repressive forces. The country moved into the orbit of US imperialism and the web of influence that it was building in Asia. However a general election in 1954 lead to an overwhelming victory for democratic parties. The reaction was the suspension of parliament by the Governor-General and the establishment of a dictatorship.
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.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Extracts from the work of the writer Georgi Kublitsky who travelled the Soviet Union over the years and described its economic and social development. These extracts deal with the development of the different nations in the Soviet Union and focuses on Azerbaijan as one example.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Looks at the militarisation of the Asia-Pacific and the dangerous tensions that are arising between regional powers and the role of others such as the US and France.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Especially among those who experienced life in the Soviet Union a majority have a positive view of it. The economy delivered for people and some of its leaders are still regarded highly today. Today citizens of the former Soviet Union are worse off than they were before its demise and have a dim view of the benefits of capitalism and its political system.