SWP posters and leaflets at an election rally at George Square, Glasgow

Leninism for the 21st century

Jack Farmer examines the SWP’s theorisation of the revolutionary party and argues that our “current practice diverges sharply from the ‘continuous creative renewal’ required by our political tradition”. 

A revolutionary party is a living historical creature that exists in a constant state of recreation. The ashes and the phoenix continually exchange places. The wise sages of the party must teach the newcomers and in the process learn and correct their own deficiencies… So, how has this process progressed in the SWP in recent years?

► Read “Leninism for the 21st century” here.

Note: This piece was published before rs21 was established as an independent organisation in January 2014. rs21 was founded by a group of people who had been in the opposition within the SWP and who left in response to its persistent mishandling of rape and sexual harassment allegations against a leading member.