Episode 152: A Critique of Critiques of the Party-Form (discussion with Aidan Beatty and Paul LeBlanc)
|
Co-hosts Andrew Kliman and Gabriel Donnelly welcome Aidan Beatty, a lecturer in the Department of History at Carnegie Mellon University, and Paul Le Blanc, a retired professor of history and author of many books on the history of socialism and the labor movement. This episode was borne out of Beatty’s last appearance, in episode 143, where we discussed Aidan’s critique of “democratic centralism.” We decided to continue the discussion in this present episode, and to include LeBlanc. We consider whether the critique of the party form is overly focused on by the movement, at the expense of other fundamental issues, such as the orientation of socialist revolutionaries to mass movements. The main issue discussed was whether there’s a “right” form of organization and, if not, whether some forms should nonetheless be avoided. Le Blanc grounded his perspective in the history of the movement, Lenin’s engagements with the issue of the party form, and organizing in the twenty-first century. Gabriel and Aidan similarly emphasized what they didn’t want to see in organizations and choose to highlight what they reject in discussions of the party form. Andrew highlighted how odious behavior can be displayed by any type of structure. He additionally argued that there was more work to be done than just building a party and “marketing” socialist ideals. Plus current-events segment:DT’s polling numbers. Radio Free Humanity is a podcast covering news, politics and philosophy from a Marxist-Humanist perspective. It is co-hosted by Gabriel Donnelly and Andrew Kliman. We intend to release new episodes every two weeks. Radio Free Humanity is sponsored by MHI, but the views expressed by the hosts and guests of Radio Free Humanity are their own. They do not necessarily reflect the views and positions of MHI. We welcome and encourage listeners’ comments, posted on this episode’s page. |
Be the first to comment