Flooding in Germany is a man-made disaster
Trade unionist and climate organiser Mark Bergfeld discusses the economics and politics of the floods in Germany since mid-July which have killed over 180 people.
A turning point in Polish politics: the #czarnyprotest and Monday’s women’s strike
Large protests have taken place in Poland against a proposed ban on abortion in all cases. On Monday (3 October) Polish women are taking part in a nationwide strike to defend their basic reproductive rights. Mark Bergfeld, who researches Polish immigrant workers as part of his PhD, spoke to Aleksandra Wolke who is a feminist […]
Refugee crisis: Merkel’s double game
The media has shown refugees being welcomed to Germany, and Cameron’s response has been so inadequate he’s made even Angela Merkel look good. But, as Mark Bergfeld writes from Germany, the government there has its own motivations – and the welcome of the last few days may quickly sour. The media here is full of photos, videos […]
The Premier League’s crackdown on social media is about policing access to football
The corporate interests that run football are trying to stamp out social media and illegal livestreaming. But this will come with a higher price than they realise, writes Mark Bergfeld Who doesn’t remember Robin van Persie’s gravity-defying goal against Spain at this year’s FIFA World Cup? Oh, you didn’t see it? Don’t worry – you […]
A view from Rio: “The World Cup now pervades every serious political dispute taking place today”
The World Cup kicks off in Brazil next week. Last year’s Confederations Cup saw huge protests and confrontations with the Police, directed at the corruption and vast public spending which surrounds the event. One year on, anger continues, but the picture is more complex. Mark Bergfeld interviewed Rio activist Miguel Borba de Sá last month to […]
25 de Abril, Sempre! Portugal 40 years after the Revolution
Mark Bergfeld speaks on the legacy of Portugal’s revolution of 1974, and its relevance to today’s struggles against austerity.
“Our necks have the rope around them but we remain firm”
Mark Bergfeld reports on unofficial strike action hitting healthcare call centres in Portugal.
2013 in YouTube videos
Mark Bergfeld collects videos showing episodes of resistance from across the world in 2013.
Review of Luis Suarez-Villa’s Technocapitalism
Mark Bergfeld examines the arguments put forward by Luis Suarez-Villa’s book Technocapitalism.
Some thoughts on social media and organisation
Revolutionary socialists need to deepen their understanding of social media and how these technologies relate to problems of organisation, argues Mark Bergfeld.
The Sussex university Pop-Up Union: a myth buster
The Pop-Up Union is not a “red union”, does not divide workers, and is not a short cut born of frustration.
Mark Bergfeld responds on the Pop-Up Union
Mark Bergfeld argues for a positive approach to the pop-up union.
On the Pop-Up Union at Sussex University
The Pop-up Union is a symptom of wider political radicalisation on campus.