Smashing capitalism

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planted: 02/08/2020last tended: 27/11/2021

This is the classic revolutionary road to socialism. It assumes a seizure of power by a cadre of radicals, typically achieved by violent means, but also potentially through elections. Its defining element is not so much reliance on revolution, but what happens after — that it suppresses the counterrevolution by force and then rapidly builds new socialist institutions.

– A Blueprint for Socialism in the Twenty-First Century

1. Pros

periodically there will be intense capitalist economic crises in which the system becomes vulnerable and ruptures become possible. – How to Be an Anticapitalist Today , Erik Olin Wright

The idea that capitalism can be rendered a benign social order in which ordinary people can live flourishing, meaningful lives is ultimately an illusion because, at its core, capitalism is unreformable.

How to Be an Anticapitalist Today , Erik Olin Wright

2. Cons

It is one thing to burn down old institutions; it is quite another to build emancipatory new institutions from the ashes.

How to Be an Anticapitalist Today , Erik Olin Wright

Give up the fantasy of smashing capitalism. Capitalism is not smashable, at least if you really want to construct an emancipatory future.

How to Be an Anticapitalist Today , Erik Olin Wright

Why not? Idea seems to be that defending such a revolution would be necessarily violent. Capitalism won't take it lying down. See: To Posterity - Bertolt Brecht.

A pro-smash article: Goodbye Revolution? - Regeneration Magazine

3. Elsewhere

3.1. In my garden

Notes that link to this note (AKA backlinks).

3.2. In the Agora

3.3. Mentions

Recent changes. Source. Peer Production License.