Anti-Imperialist Politics: Class Formation and Socio-Political Action
Author(s)
Petras, James
Abstract
An examination of the nature and dynamics of anti-imperialist politics looks at the characteristics of anti-imperialist movements (AIMs); conditions/locations that encourage them to develop/expand; class-related aspects; the potential for AIMs in imperialist nations; and helpful/limiting strategies/tactics. Contexts conducive to the emergence of an AIM include colonial invasion/occupation; military intervention; declining living standards; and unequal trade/investment. Differences between early and modern AIMS are pointed out and the impact of imperialism on class structure is discussed. It is noted that the most significant anti-imperialist movements have occurred in Latin America, Asia, or Africa and are the weakest in the US. The different constituents of AIMs in the US and Latin America are described, noting that US movements stress the effect of US imperialism on ecology, trade, or peace while Latin American AIMs focus on the negative impact of imperialism on things like living standards and jobs. It is concluded that the emergence of a world-level AIM reveals the vulnerabilities of US and European imperialism.
