Watch: Forum on the Future of American Socialism

Last Sunday, Voices for New Democracy hosted our latest monthly political forum with a wide-ranging discussion on the future of American socialism.

The extensive conversation covered key themes in contemporary American political economy and the state of class struggle today. Steve Clark kicked the forum off with a presentation on his latest essay, outlining several important currents in the trajectory of American politics and society, and offered interpretations of how these currents may shape opportunities to build socialism in the United States over the coming years. Thomas Blanton carried the conversation forward, discussing the importance of theory and building partnerships with diverse movements (especially those of oppressed peoples) in advancing a more progressive future. Eric Gill also discussed his perspective on the trajectory of the American left, class formation, modern imperialism, and the contradictions of contemporary capitalism amid the shift to a service economy, drawing on his own experience as a leader of the hotel workers union in Hawai’i. Finally, the forum shifted to an open dialogue drawing out key themes from these presentations.

Watch the full forum below.

September 11 Monthly Political Forum: The Future of American Socialism

Is the present situation in the US a revolutionary situation?

Did Post-Industrialism change the balance of class power in the US?

Is US financial capital on the political ropes?

Will we be living under socialism with American characteristics by the end of this decade?

Yes to all, says Steve Clark, who elaborated and defended his thesis in a recent e-booklet: American Socialism Lacks Vision and Plan: Post-Marxist Social Science Can Help

Join us on Sunday, September 11 at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET for our next monthly political forum to discuss these questions and more. Steve Clark will briefly reprise his essay, followed by an open discussion and debate. Click here to join the conversation.