ecosocialist.scot is based in Scotland but defines itself as based on internationalism.
From its very beginnings capitalism emerged as an international system and since then it has extended its reach until – in the 21st century – it directly or indirectly dominates the entire globe.
Capitalism is an intrinsically unstable and expansionist system dominated by huge concentrations of capital that transcend national boundaries. For this reason alone, the struggle against capitalism by the working class and the oppressed – the struggle for socialism – must also be an international one. Regardless of their national differences or rivalries, the capitalist classes organise themselves internationally; the working class and its allies must do likewise. Solidarity and international action are thus essential to the ultimate success of the socialist project. As the experience of the last century conclusively demonstrated, ‘socialism in one country’ is both a practical and a theoretical illusion.
Throughout its history capitalism has developed unevenly and has resulted in the international dominance of one or more capitalist states. National rivalries have been inflamed and millions have suffered and died as a result of wars and imperialist conquest. We are opposed to imperialism – the subjugation of weaker nations by more powerful ones – and support the self-determination of oppressed nations and the struggle for national liberation. However, as revolutionaries we do not subordinate the struggles of the oppressed and exploited to the interests of any state or ‘bloc’ but rather defend their independent interests without fear or favour. Our internationalism is given practical expression through solidarity with struggles throughout the world and also through our commitment to organise as part of a revolutionary international. The socialism to which we aspire is above all international in its scope: a world without borders, where no-one is ‘illegal’, and where national conflicts and divisions are a thing of the past.
For further reading on internationalism, we recommend the following:
Resistance Books has published a wide selection of books on internationalism and international politics; you can find a list here.
Capitalist globalization, imperialisms, geopolitical chaos and their implications is a summary of the global situation agreed by the World Congress of the Fourth International in 2018, published here: https://internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article5447
International Viewpoint has regular articles about the political situation from around the world. There’s a “Latest News” ticker (RSS Feed) on the right column of all ecosocialist.scot webpages where you can see the most recent articles, and you can visit the site directly here: https://internationalviewpoint.org/ . Our page on the Fourth International explains our relationship with revolutionary internationalists and the Links page contains links to websites of our co-thinkers from across the globe. We will republish significant news and documents on ecosocialist.scot with a tag “International”. If you choose to join ecosocialist.scot, you are not just joining a Scottish organisation but a worldwide organisation of revolutionaries.
