unAustralian Marxism: history and theory

Anti-colonialism and the Communist International

This talk outlines the anti-colonial politics of the early years of the Communist International (Comintern), formed in the wake of the Russian Revolution in 1919. Paddy explores the way the Comintern theorised the relationship between workers' revolution in imperialist countries and anti-colonial revolts shaking the world, particularly the importance of anti-racism and commitment to the defeat of imperialist forces. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in June 2016.

Capitalism and anti-Aboriginal racism

This talk outlines the importance of anti-Aboriginal racism to the ruling class in Australia. Paddy explores the ways that the so-called "Aboriginal problem" has posed challenges for Australian capitalism and the way Aboriginal resistance continues to threaten the system. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in April 2016, this podcast is dedicated to the memory of Arrente and Alyawarr Elder Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, who famously asserted "don't try and suppress me. I am not the problem. I have never left my country, nor have I ever ceded any part of it".

Invasion and resistance in early colonial Sydney

This talk provides an historical account of the invasion by British imperialism of Eora and Darug Country, what is now known as Sydney, Australia. Paddy discusses the dynamics driving the invasion and the war of resistance waged by Aboriginal people defending their homelands. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in January 2015. Since this talk, historian Stephen Gapps has published a major book The Sydney Wars which contains lots of new research into these issues and is highly recommended.

What’s wrong with capitalism? What’s the alternative?

An introduction to Karl Marx's theory of historical materialism. Basic explanations of the concept of alienation, surplus value, the centralisation and concentration of capital and what we mean by workers' power and socialist revolution. Talk to a Solidarity student club meeting at Sydney University in August 2014.

Imperialism and contemporary geopolitics

This talk provides an introduction to the classical Marxist theory of imperialism and uses this framework to analyse contemporary geopolitical crises. Comments cover a range of topics including the rise of ISIS and the civil war in Syria, conflict in Ukraine and growing tensions with China. Recorded at Solidarity's annual KeepLeft conference in August 2014

Frontier warfare and colonial capitalism

This talk explores how the expansionist imperatives of capitalism drove genocidal war across the colonial frontier, with a particular focus on Northern Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There is also discussion of the challenge posed to Australian nationalism by Indigenous resistance and why ruling class figures such as John Howard have tried so hard to bury the truth about frontier warfare. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in Sydney, May 2014.

Marx and ecological crises

An introduction to Karl Marx's analysis of how capitalism causes ecological destruction and why a socialist revolution is needed to heal the planet. There are concluding comments reflecting on horrific floods that were happening in the Philippines at the time of this talk and the way that imperialism and class divisions shape disaster response. Talk recorded at a Solidarity meeting November 2013.

Australian imperialism and Papua New Guinea

In this talk, Paddy applies the Marxist theory of imperialism to explore the founding of Australia and development of Australian imperialism in the Asia-Pacific region. There is a specific focus on Australian colonial rule in PNG and how this domination operates today, with some concluding comments on the refugee detention regime. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in August 2013.

What is to be Done? Lenin’s pamphlet 110 years on

This talk reflects on the enduring power of Lenin's analysis in the pamphlet What is to be Done, first published in 1902. A main theme of the pamphlet is the relationship between workers' action for better wages and conditions, and broader political struggles and the development of socialist consciousness. Central to this is the question of how socialists should organise. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in Sydney, September 2012.