unAustralian Marxism: history and theory

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.