Red wine, Rosa and nous and women's-viewpoints are not just juxtaposed, they are analytically integrated in a vigorous prose. Clearly and forcefully written, accompanied by the revolution 17 tables, and with extensive notes, Mexico's Hope represents the most forceful analysis, and at the same time the most sophisticated and subtle general history of Mexico available.
Mexico's Hope will no doubt become a standard in Latin American and Mexican history courses, but labor unionists, human rights workers, social movement activists, and anyone interested in Mexico should buy and read this book. University, high school and public libraries in the USA should add this book to their collections, for it will find many readers. This review first appeared in Mexican Labor News and Analysis, July, 1999 Vol. IV, No. 12. Mail address: c/o Dan La Botz, 3436 Morrison Place, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA <103144.2651@compuserve.com>, www.igc.apc.org/unitedelect/. Thailand: Class struggle in an era of economic crisis, by Ji Giles Ungpakorn Documents labour resistance during the "economic miracle" years. The author is associated with the Trotskyist "International Socialist" current. We hope to print a full review in next month's International Viewpoint. Available for US$20 plus $5 postage from Asia Monitor Resource Centre, 444 Nathan Rd 8-B, Kowloon, Hong Kong Trotsky's theory of permanent revolution, by Doug Lorimer The leading theretician of Australia's Democratic Socialist Party argues that Trotsky's theory of permanent revolution is no guide to Marxists in peasantdominated countries. He presents instead a "Leninist theory and policy of a two-stage, uninterrupted revolution." Available for A$8.95 (inc postage) from Resistance Books, PO Box 515, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia. 34 International Viewpoint #315 October 1999
Newly-elected EuroMP Roseline Vachetta welcomed the 500 young revolutionaries to the 16th International Youth Camp in solidarity with the Fourth International in Brioude, France
Underlining the historic breakthrough represented by the election of five LO-LCR members of the European parliament, she stressed that the work of these deputies will only have an impact if it is coordinated with strong extra-parliamentary mobilisa-
During the camp, there was no shortage of suggestions. The main forums dealt with European integration, anti-racism and anti-fascism, culture, women, and internationalism
Starting from a general overview of the process of European construction, participants discussed many different aspects of the negative impact of this process on young people. High school and university students are in education systems increasingly shaped by neoliberal priorities; young people are in the labour market, as long-term unemployed, or confined to casual and part time jobs.
Stephanie Chauvin of the Political Bureau of the LCR highlighted the ways in which women are particularly affected by the casualisation of the labour market. Young women from a range of countries discussed not only their situation, but how to fight back.
Another forum highlighted the danger represented by the rise of the far-right, both its influence on the traditional right, and the alarming growth of neo-fascists gangs in Germany.
Resistance to globalisation was tackled from an unusual angle by José Ramon-known as Troglo--our invited speaker from the organisation Zutik from the Basque country, who spoke of the culture of resistance of the oppressed Basque people. He painted a vivid picture of life for a people Struggling for the right to express their national identity. He stressed the role of young people in their militant affirmation of identity. He gave the arguments for a revolutionary Marxist defence of the right of oppressed people to express this resistance in the ways they feel appropriate: counterculture, civil disobedience
In the months preceding the camp, most participants had been actively involved in expressing their opposition to the NATO war in Kosovo, the policies of ethnic cleansing by Milosevic, and the right of the Kosovar people to decide about their own
Catherine Samary, one of the best-known left specialists on former Yugoslavia, and a leading member of the 4'h International, masterfully outlined the complexities of the Balkan situation, and the outlined the main elements of rebuilding a peace movement, and building links with progressive forces
Marc (18) from Luxembourg, at his first camp, enthusiastically welcomed not only the opportunity to discuss the morning themes in the afternoon workshops, but particularly the two evening rallies on Rosa Luxembourg and the struggles of women worldwide. A moving testimony on the struggle of Algerian mothers and wives of the
"disappeared" particularly touched him.
Violette (17) from France appreciated the political activities, but felt that the best were the informal international discussions over a glass of beer.
This was the third camp for Tobias from Switzerland. He was already familiar with many of the themes dis-
"the most interesting aspect is meeting so many new people from different countries". A view echoed by Adrien (20) from France, who also appreciated the interdelegation meetings.
Hugo from Portugal liked the way the day was organised which allowed for formal meetings, informal meetings, and free time. At this time people tended to congregate in the national village" (stalls offering literature, T-shirts and posters), the video space, or just in the bar and disco.
This 16" camp of young people in solidarity with the Fourth International continued our long-established traditions of putting the fight against sexism and heterosexism at the centre of its
The women only space allowed young women at the camp to discuss among themselves and to prepare the activities that encourage the whole camp to reflect on these themes. After a forum devoted to discussion of women's liberation, young women celebrate their enthusiasm with a
Obituary
much-appreciated series of sketches illustrating women's oppression and a women-only party.
Comrades at the gay and lesbian space turned their energies towards explaining to all camp participants the importance of sexual liberation for everyone, whatever their personal orientation. As always, the party they organised was a highlight of the camp's social activities.
These young European comrades, deeply involved in struggles that concern them directly, never forget the importance of internationalism. Their invitation to the European representative of the Indonesian People's Democratic Party (PRD), Robbie Hortona, their enthusiastic reception of the message from the Mexican Zapatista Front read at the opening meeting by Flavia d'Angeli, leading member of the Giovani Comunisti and the Italian 4th Internationalists, and their response to the moving Algerian testimony reflect their deep internationalist convictions.
Closing the camp, the comrade of the Fourth International responsible for working with the youth organisations, Penny Duggan, stressed the importance for the Fourth International of renewing itself by recruiting young comrades who could bring an understanding of today's problems and tomorrow's solutions.
The camp next year in Portugal for which the comrades promise 200 young Portuguese will be another step towards this goal. Not to be missed!
The average age of participants was 21, with women making up 38%. There were 18 delegations: France, Portugal, Italy, (60-150) Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Denamrk, Netherlands, (20-40) Poland, Sweden, Canaries, Greece, Russia, Saragossa, Luxemburg, Norway, Austria, and Britain (12-2) [PD/JD] *
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Husson
Our economics writer Michel Husson now uploads most of his own articles onto his personal hompage.
http://home.worldnet.fr/hussonet/ News From Within Israelo-Palestinian magazine.
http://aic.netgate.net/nfw/index.html The Bracegirdle affair focused the attention of educated classes of all ethnic groups on the need