Spectre is a network of Sydney marxist activists that have come together in recognition of the gravely low level of genuine debate and independent theoretical engagement on the revolutionary left in Australia. We have a common interest in creating a non-sectarian, open minded and serious space for political interchange. We are united by a common interest in revolutionary marxism as a basis for understanding the world, and for theorising the state of the class struggle and various social movements in which we participate. We are keen to engage with a variety of marxist currents as well as with other revolutionary ideas, within a framework that respects diversity of opinion and encourages the widest possible speculative activity.

We plan to convene a series of political exchanges about history, theory and practice, addressing questions relevant to today's movement, in a relaxed atmosphere over a few drinks. Rather than being purely academic, these discussions will strive to bridge the gap between theory and practice -- ie, assist in developing a truly revolutionary praxis for the twenty-first century.

hydrarchist submits:

Open letter and call for papers from the Italian magazine DeriveApprodi to
social movements in Latin America, Africa, and Asia

Who
we are

This
letter is from the editorial collective of the Italian magazine DeriveApprodi,
a publication of the radical left. DeriveApprodi was first published
about ten years ago and since then has appeared at irregular intervals. It was
founded at the beginning of the 1990s with a view to continuing the project of
critical thought and practical politics initiated by the autonomist Marxist and
revolutionary "workerist" movements. In the 1960s and 1970s, these
movements were active in interpreting and orienting the worker, proletarian, and
student struggles that had made Italy into an extraordinary laboratory of
revolution in the West, truly the "weak link" in the chain of
imperialist command. During the 1980s, however, the continuity of these
struggles was violently disrupted: thousands of militants from the radical left
were imprisoned, aggressive capitalist restructuring completely redefined the
geography and forms of production, large working class concentrations
disappeared, and the power of trade unions was gradually weakened. Individualism,
cynicism, and careerism triumphed within institutional politics and throughout
society at large.

Anonymous Comrade submits:

"The Second Superpower Rears its Beautiful Head"

James F. Moore, Berkman Center for Internet & Society

As the United States government becomes more belligerent in using its power in the world, many people are longing for a "second superpower" that can keep the US in check.  Indeed, many people desire a superpower that speaks for the interests of planetary society, for long-term well-being, and that encourages broad participation in the democratic process.  Where can the world find such a second superpower?  No nation or group of nations seems able to play this role, although the European Union sometimes seeks to, working in concert with a variety of institutions in the field of international law, including the United Nations.  But even the common might of the European nations is barely a match for the current power of the United States.