Description
D. L. Raby argues that the way forward for progressives is not the dogmatic formulae of the Old Left, nor in the spontaneous autonomism of John Holloway or Tony Negri. Instead, it is to be found in new, broad and flexible popular movements with bold and determined leadership. Examining the relationship of key leaders to their people, including Hugo Chavez and the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, Raby shows that it is more necessary than ever to take power, peacefully where possible, but in all cases with the strength that comes from popular unity backed by force where necessary.
In this way it is possible to build democratic power, which may or may not be socialist depending on one's definition, but which represent the real anti-capitalist alternative for the twenty-first century.
About the Author
D.L. Raby is Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute of Latin American Studies of the University of Liverpool, and also holds the rank of Professor Emeritus in the History Department of the University of Toronto. He is the author of Democracy and Revolution: Latin America and Socialism Today (Pluto, 2006). Raby has written many studies of Latin American and Iberian History and Politics, and is a long-standing activist in solidarity campaigns with Latin American struggles and social movements in the UK and Canada.
Reviews
'Meticulously traces the journeys to power of Castro and Chavez, painting a vivid and thorough background to the key individuals, groups and movements involved' -- Morning Star
'A useful corrective to the mountain of lies published in the media and circulated by New Labour toadies' -- Tariq Ali
'A thoughtful examination of the revolutionary experience and traditions of Latin America - will provide lessons and encouragement for the contemporary Left across the globe' -- Richard Gott, author of Cuba: A New History, and Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution
Book Information
ISBN 9780745324357
Author D.L Raby
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Pluto Press
Publisher Pluto Press
Weight(grams) 375g