links for 2010-01-05
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
-
"Until one has engaged in a situated critique of the “method(s)” represented and deployed by the 20th century communist movement, how can one possibly reach a verdict (and a sweeping one at that) as to such “methods” and their “uselessness” today? Badiou’s figure of the “iron discipline” of the Communist Party is barely the beginning of a description, let alone an analysis of “method” here; indeed, one might argue that it is a stock-figure that stands in the way of such a sober critique. In any event, I would like to see more—not less—critical re-examination of “actually existing” Communism of the 20th century, from Badiou and from others. (and again here, let me emphasize that I mean not only developments in the USSR or China, but elsewhere, including here in the USA, and that I mean not only the political lines of these movements but the social and cultural and mass work that they engaged in at all levels)."
Advertisement
Comments are closed.