The recent elections in Greece are of immense international significance. The Coalition of the Radical Left, or Syriza, was able to exploit the mass discontent produced by brutal austerity measures imposed since 2010 on the Greek population. Within days of the election, however, Syriza completely repudiated its program and adopted as its own the demands of the European banks and political institutions.
To understand the nature and role of Syriza, it is necessary to examine the trajectory of a whole international trend of left—or, more accurately, pseudo-left—organizations. In the aftermath of the Second World War, and particularly following the events of 1968, this tendency repudiated Marxism, developing a “left” politics that was increasingly divorced from, and opposed to, the working class and socialism.
With the elevation of Syriza in Greece to the pinnacles of state power, these forces have been fully integrated into the state. They are playing an increasingly critical role not only in the implementation of the dictates of the banks but also in the promotion of imperialism—including support for the US-backed operations in Syria, Ukraine, Libya and Iraq.
In this lecture, World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board Chairman David North will examine the politics, social interests and theoretical conceptions behind the rightward trajectory of Syriza and its international backers and promoters.
Meeting Details
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Wednesday, April 8, 7:00 p.m.
University of Minnesota
Rapson Hall Room 56
89 Church Street SE, Minneapolis MN 55455
Map
Berkeley, California
Thursday, April 9, 7:00 p.m.
University of California at Berkeley
Genetics and Plant Biology Building, Room 100
Map
San Diego, California
Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 p.m.
San Diego State University
Physics Building, Room 144
Map
San Diego, California
Wednesday, April 15, 6:00 p.m.
University of California, San Diego
Social Sciences Building, Room 101
Map
Los Angeles, California
Thursday, April 16, 7:00 p.m.
California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)
University-Student Union, San Gabriel Room
5154 State University Dr., Los Angeles
Map
Detroit, Michigan
Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.
Wayne State University
Helen DeRoy Auditorium, Room 146
5203 Cass Avenue, Detroit
Map