Imperialism and National Oppression
Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism
By V.I. Lenin
Lenin's Imperialism is a powerful statement of opposition to the
system of imperialism, penned at the height of the First World War.
Imperialism and World Economy By Nicolai Bukharin
Bukharin's attempt to theorise imperialism remains an important
contribution to Marxist theory, despite his subsequent decline as a supporter, and then
last minute critic of Stalin.
The Right of Nations to Self-Determination
By V.I. Lenin
The correct attitude to struggles for national liberation have always
presented a test for Marxists - steering a correct line between failing to support them
on the one hand, and uncritical support for nationalists on the other. This pamphlet
is one of the more useful on the subject.
Problems of the Chinese Revolution By Leon Trotsky
Trotsky's work on China is important for dealing with the relationship
between socialist and national struggles, and on revolution in general. It was the first
time Trotsky had begun to apply his theory of permanent revolution outside Russia.
The Permanent Revolution By Leon Trotsky
The Permanent Revolution is a serious attempt to theorise the
relationship between socialist and national revolutions in the age of imperialism,
discussing the key role that a socialist and organised working class can play in completing
the national revolution, and then turning it into a socialist one.
Deflected Permanent Revolution By Tony Cliff
Cliff discusses the difficulties posed for Trotsky's theory of permanent
revolution by the "success" of Stalinist regimes in places like China, Vietnam and Cuba.
This classic article updates the theory of permanent revolution, drawing on the theory of
bureaucratic state capitalism.
The Permanent Arms Economy By Mike Kidron
This article discusses the role of imperialist rivalries, and the consequent
massive arms expenditure, in both underpinning, and later destroying the long post-WWII boom.
The ABC of National Liberation Movements By Hal Draper
This pamphlet is an excellent starting point for discussions of the problems
of national liberation.