Members of revolutionary socialist organisation Anti*Capitalist Resistance (ACR), are gearing up for their conference where they will discuss and debate a range of documents related to their cause. These documents cover a variety of topics that explore different aspects of the ACR’s mission and its role in the wider struggle for social and economic justice.
The first document proposes a more formal relationship between ACR and the Fourth International (FI), a socialist organisation that defends the self-organisation of the exploited and oppressed, aims to abolish capitalism, and build ecosocialism. The document requests the status of Permanent Observer, which would allow ACR to participate in FI meetings with the right to speak but not to vote. It also discusses the challenges of building a mass revolutionary party during a non-revolutionary period.
The second document addresses the weakness of the socialist left in the face of economic, social, and environmental crises. The document argues that the key political task now is to focus on building mass anti-racist movements and organisations for practical solidarity. It also discusses the decline of the Conservative and Labour parties in the UK and the need for socialist realignment.
The third document discusses disability politics from an anti-capitalist perspective. It advocates for a social interpretation of disability that views disability as a form of social oppression rather than an individual tragedy. The document proposes a twin-track approach of resistance and a strategy of laying the foundations for a radically new service that would ensure equality for all disabled people. It also discusses the need for radical disability activism to reflect on concepts that have been emptied of their original meanings and subjected to new meanings which protect and aid the status quo.
The fourth document addresses the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on the left in Britain and elsewhere. It argues that the war is an imperialist attempt by the neo-fascist Putin regime to annex Ukraine, while the people of Ukraine are fighting for national liberation, independence, and democracy. The document calls for solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the opening of borders and support for refugees and anti-war activists.
The fifth document proposes a strategy for transitioning to an ecosocialist society. The document argues that the current capitalist system is responsible for the ecological crisis and that a socialist society based on principles of sustainability and cooperation is necessary to address this crisis. It proposes a three-pronged strategy for achieving an ecosocialist society: building a mass movement for ecological and social justice, developing alternative forms of economic and social organisation, and engaging in strategic alliances with other progressive movements.
The sixth document provides guidelines for promoting inclusivity and equality in organising and running meetings, producing documentation, website accessibility, accessibility of other activities, and communication with individuals with disabilities. It emphasises the importance of clear communication, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and providing technical support when necessary to ensure that everyone can participate fully and equally.
The seventh document discusses the Women’s and NB collective (WNB) struggle against the marginalisation of women, sexual minorities, and trans* people. It highlights the interconnectedness of various struggles for liberation and the importance of allowing new demands for freedom to arise and flourish. The document recommends supporting organisations and setting up an LGBTQIA+ caucus within ACR and involving students and young people in wider campaigning.
Finally, the eighth document assesses ACR’s publications and media strategy to understand its current capacities, encourage membership engagement, develop theory, and learn from liberatory movements. It discusses Resistance Books, the ACR website, and potential new projects such as ACRadio, TransMission zine, regular ACR publication, theoretical journal, and expanding video output.
Overall, these documents represent the diverse perspectives and concerns of the ACR and provide insights into its ongoing struggle.
Kindly note that all the summaries presented here are solely based on the proposed papers and do not represent the official stance of anti*capitalist resistance.
Document: Anti*Capitalist Resistance and the Fourth International
At the upcoming conference, we will be presenting a document discussing our relationship with the Fourth International (FI). Currently, ACR has an informal relationship with the FI, and the document will propose the possibility of a more formal relationship by requesting the status of Permanent Observer, which would allow ACR to participate in FI meetings with the right to speak but not to vote.
The document will also suggest exploring the possibility of attending the FI youth camp and ecosocialist school. The FI’s mission to defend the self-organisation of the exploited and oppressed, abolish capitalism, and build ecosocialism will be highlighted, along with their democratic political structure, leadership bodies, and World Congresses every 7-8 years. The document will reiterate that FI members do not operate as a block within ACR but as individual members committed to building ACR.
Document: Fighting Socialism Today
“Part 1: The Contradiction at the Heart of Politics Today – Fighting for Socialism”
[Social Decline to Tories and Labour]
This conference document highlights the current weakness of the socialist left in the face of the economic, social, and environmental crises. It notes the inflationary crisis as a key factor in the decline of living standards, particularly in the public sector. The document also discusses the decline in social and economic conditions, the mental health crisis, and the lack of unionisation in the workforce. It argues that the key political task now is to focus on building mass anti-racist movements and organisations for practical solidarity with migrants and asylum seekers, and to shift the ‘common sense’ view in Britain away from rabid racist nationalism. The part of the document concludes by discussing the current state of the Conservative and Labour parties, with the latter struggling to appeal to its base due to its purging of left-wing ideas and activists.
“Part 2: Title: Challenges and Strategies for Socialist Realignment in the UK
[Disunited Kingdom to Socialist Realignment]
This part of the document discusses various issues in the UK including the differences in politics between Wales and England, the resistance to cuts and anti-union laws, strategies for socialism, and socialist realignment. The document notes that the trade union resistance to the cuts has resulted in a strike wave and days lost to strike action not seen for decades. The wider problem for the strike wave is the weakness around their escalation. The document also highlights the need to escalate and coordinate, fight the anti-union laws, build a social movement, and integrate socialist demands into publications and arguments. Finally, the document discusses the challenges in building a mass revolutionary party in the non-revolutionary period and suggests the need for wider socialist and ecosocialist regroupment.
Addressing Disability Politics from an Anti-Capitalist Perspective
Part 1 [Preamble to Resistance]
This conference document, written by disabled comrades who are members and supporters of Anti*Capitalist Resistance (ACR), aims to explain the position of disability politics in Britain today and how ACR can assist as comrades and allies in shaping a new disability praxis. It discusses the history of disability politics and the inadequate engagement of the Left with disabled people’s social oppression. The document advocates for a social interpretation of disability that views disability as a form of social oppression, rather than an individual tragedy. The document also discusses the decline of the Disabled People’s Movement and the need for resistance against the erosion of budgets, service provision, and standards. The document proposes a twin-track approach of resistance and a strategy of laying the foundations for a radically new service that would ensure equality for all disabled people. The approach involves coproduction, which is a way of realising the Disabled People’s Movement’s slogan, “Nothing About Us, Without Us.” The document advocates for an intersectional understanding of oppression and the use of coproduction, which provides insights that ACR and the Left in general could benefit from.
Part 2 [Reclamation to Challenging Capitalist Disablement]
This part of the document discusses the need for radical disability activism to reflect on concepts that have been emptied of their original meanings and subjected to new meanings which protect and aid the status quo. The crisis within Social Care is addressed and calls for a new system and national service based upon the principles of independent living and the social approach towards disability are discussed. Disability justice is also explored, with a focus on intersectionality and the ways diverse systems of oppression amplify and reinforce one another. The document also calls for the inclusion of disabled people in environmental discussions and decision-making, and for the development of a community-based eco-social system of delivering services that fosters inclusivity and sustainability. Finally, the document highlights the need for a national co-ordination of disability politics and for the incorporation of the social model into an eco-social approach.
Part 3 [Act 4 inclusion to Internal ACR]
The final part of the document discusses the intersection of disability politics and anti-capitalist resistance, highlighting the need for an eco-social approach to community-based services that foster inclusivity and sustainability. The document argues that disabled people are often excluded from decision-making and face discrimination, which could result in climate solutions and adaptation plans being designed without their needs in mind. The document proposes practical steps to address these issues, including promoting inclusive practice and coproduction, challenging dominant ideologies, and reconceptualising well-being to embrace holistic, environmental, and relational attributes. The document also emphasises the need for ACR to reflect on its commitment to opposing all forms of oppression, address intersectional issues, and be allies to disabled people.
A report on Ukraine will be presented and debated at the Anti*Capitalist Resistance conference
The report discusses the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on the left in Britain and elsewhere. It argues that the war is an imperialist attempt by the neo fascist Putin regime to annex Ukraine, while the people of Ukraine are fighting for national liberation, independence, and democracy. The report also notes that the war is an indirect conflict between Western and Russian imperialism, with NATO seeking to push back against Russia as a potential challenger to the West as the major world power block.
Criticising the pacifist positions of some on the left who do not call for Russian troops to leave Ukraine, while also noting the danger of increased militarisation of the West and the dismantling of nuclear weapons. The report argues that Ukrainians should take the support from NATO countries now, but prepare for future battles, and that the military aid should be without conditions.
The report goes on to emphasise the need to defend a revolutionary Marxist and internationalist position and argues that the people of Ukraine have the right to defend themselves militarily for the liberation and independence of their country. It also calls for solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the opening of borders, and support for refugees and anti-war activists. Finally, the report notes the need for propaganda in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, pushing back against campism and pacifism, and opposing the increased militarisation of NATO countries.
ECOSOCIALIST Strategy document
The proposed conference document titled “Ecosocialist Strategy” discusses a strategy for transitioning to an ecosocialist society. The document argues that the current capitalist system is responsible for the ecological crisis and that a socialist society based on principles of sustainability and cooperation is necessary to address this crisis.
The document proposes a three-pronged strategy for achieving an ecosocialist society: building a mass movement for ecological and social justice, developing alternative forms of economic and social organisation, and engaging in strategic alliances with other progressive movements.
Later the document focuses on the Campaign Against Climate Change (CACC) and the CACCTU group, as well as the Ecosocialist Alliance and the author’s proposed ecosocialist strategy. The CACC has been in existence since 2001 and aims to campaign for climate change rather than rely on the government. The document suggests that the ACR needs to increase its presence in the CACC TU group and coordinate with Green Left to take initiatives in the group.
The groups general aim is to bring diverse strands of the eco movement together and engage with the XR debate about people’s assemblies. ACR need to assert the centrality of the working class in reshaping society from the ground up and raising ecosocialist demands and solutions within the broader cost of living movement. The ACR must propose convening a conference called “ECOSOCIALISM 2023” to bring together disparate forces and make ecosocialism a central political strategic factor in the wider environmental and workers’ movement. The conference should aim to issue a declaration and become an annual event contributing to a network capable of activity on the ground.
Guidelines for Inclusive and Accessible Practices in Anti*Capitalist Resistance (ACR)
This conference document for Anti*Capitalist Resistance (ACR) provides guidelines for promoting inclusivity and equality in five key areas: organizing and running meetings, producing documentation, website accessibility, accessibility of other activities, and communication with individuals with disabilities. Inclusivity is defined as considering the needs of all users, including disabled people, and promoting inclusivity, respecting individual rights, and serving all with sensitivity and within social justice boundaries.
The document offers tips on planning and preparation, equipment and information, and conduct during meetings to make them accessible and inclusive for all. It also provides guidelines for producing accessible documentation, including tips for good contrast and clear language.
The document also provides guidelines for accessible website design, including the use of sans serif typeface, colour contrast for text and surrounds, distinguishing visited links, and using alt tags for images. Guidelines are provided for making communication more inclusive and accessible for individuals with visual, physical, speech, or mental health impairments, as well as those with dyslexia.
Specific principles are provided for positive communication with people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have limited dexterity, as well as general guidelines for written and verbal communication and signage. The document also includes tips for making virtual meetings, such as Zoom meetings, more inclusive for individuals with disabilities.
Overall, the guidelines emphasise the importance of clear communication, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and providing technical support when necessary to ensure that everyone can participate fully and equally.
Challenges and Demands in the Struggle Against Women’s and LGBTQIA+ Marginalisation
This conference document discusses the Women’s and NB collective (WNB) struggle against the marginalisation of women, sexual minorities, and trans* people. It highlights the interconnectedness of various struggles for liberation and the importance of allowing new demands for freedom to arise and flourish. The document discusses the link between bodily autonomy, social reproduction, and the exploitation of marginalised groups in capitalist societies. It emphasises the need for alternative communities and support groups to provide solidarity and support.
The document discusses the difficult international political situation for women and LGBTQIA+ people, including the impact of COVID-19 and the growth of creeping fascism. It recommends supporting organisations such as Abortion rights, Abortion Support Network, #Me2tu, and Women’s Budget Group. The document also recommends setting up an LGBTQIA+ caucus within ACR and involving students and young people in wider campaigning. It highlights the importance of understanding the social forces that presently exist and comprehending their different trajectories and interactions to work out a working-class demand.
The authors conclude by emphasising the contemporary weakness of the overall Marxist research project and the importance of women’s and LGBTQIA+ struggles. They argue that if these struggles fail, it may lead to the most extreme and reactionary capitalist regimes, which could be the final calamity for our species.
Assessing Anti*Capitalist Resistance’s Publications and Media Strategy
Anti*Capitalist Resistance (ACR) is assessing its publications and media strategy to understand its current capacities, encourage membership engagement, develop theory, and learn from liberatory movements. The conference document is separated into four sections, with the first two examining Resistance Books (RB) and the ACR website. RB has a unique political profile and co-publishing/distribution arrangements, and the ACR website is run by an active editorial board with a healthy mix of original and reposted content. However, there is a lack of engagement from the wider membership, and the EB needs expanding to reduce burnout and enhance collaboration. ACR must also develop a digital security strategy, viable communications team, and a new member mailouts system.
ACR has new and potential projects such as ACRadio, TransMission zine, regular ACR publication, theoretical journal, and expanding video output. Members are encouraged to contribute their ideas and skills to help ACR develop. The appendix proposes a regular publication called The Anti-capitalist, a full-colour document distributed for free at events and demos.
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