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Where can socialism go?

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    #32
    Rossibaby
    Closed Accounts Posts: 421 ✭✭Rossibaby


    DadaKopf wrote: »
    See, this is where things get misinterpreted. Aside from the credentials of Chavez's 'socialism for the 21st century', the apparent consolodation of power has more to do with populism than marxism. It is the vast social and economic inequalities, within a populist political culture, that gives rise to this centralisation. In Argentina, Perón commanded the devotion of the working classes as long as he could hand out gifts but he was no socialist. Increasingly, he used the state to oppress those who supported him and, after economic collapse (the key in Latin American political economy), he lost power.

    Can the same be said of Chávez? I'd say almost certainly populism is a big part of it; remember: Venezuela is one of the most unequal countries in the world. The difference with Chávez is he is a 'black' and a former military officer who attempted a coup to oust. So class is playing a major part in the analysis and the popular movement. On any justice grounds, using the state to structurally change a country in a way that makes it more equal should be lauded. It's quite an achievement, but when he does go (and I hope it's through the democratic process), it'll be another power struggle between the rich and the poor, and the USA who defends the elite's interests.
    pretty solid post there.chavez is definately a progressive influence in south america but he is no socialist/communist.his work is to be admired though and anyone who disagrees with the redistribution of wealth in such an uneven country and the maximising of the nations resources needs their head checked


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