MIT: Independent Activities Period: IAP

IAP 2016



Marxist answer to another world war.

Felix Kreisel, Vladimir Volkov

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Prereq: Read the WSWS.ORG

World capitalist order, established by the US at the end of World War II and based on its economic hegemony, has crashed and the United States is at the center of economic and political convulsions. The American ruling elite is trying to reverse its long-term economic decline through frenetic military interventions in Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere, and by exporting its crisis to competitors. Collapse of the Soviet Union and other so-called "socialist" states has exacerbated rivalries among the advanced capitalist countries and flashpoints of future wars are growing around the world.

Contact: Felix Kreisel, NW21-109, 617 253-8625, FJK@MIT.EDU


Ukraine and proxy war against Russia.

Jan/05 Tue 06:00PM-08:00PM 5-233, Read wsws.org

The United States, Germany and their friends staged a coup in Kiev 2 years ago to step up the pressure on the Moscow regime and decrease its ability to resist the US in Central Asia or the Middle East. Proxy wars against Russia are taking place in Ukraine and Syria. Nato is now on the borders of Russia, and for the third time in a century Ukraine is becoming a field of battle, and the break-up of Russia is the main goal.

Vladimir Volkov


From Tsar to Lenin - Russian Revolution

Jan/12 Tue 06:00PM-08:00PM 5-233

We shall introduce and view a documentary film "Tsar to Lenin", with original footage from the Russian Revolution. The preview can be seen here: http://tsartolenin.com/ The film will be followed by discussion. Suggested reading: Trotsky's "History of the Russian Revolution".

Felix Kreisel


Stalinism vs. Socialism

Jan/14 Thu 06:00PM-08:00PM 5-233

We shall review the history of the Soviet state over its 74-year lifetime, examine its internal contradictions, great strides forward, achievements and bitter defeats, the ruling Stalinist regime's crimes against its own people and its betrayal of socialism. We shall examine the collapse of the USSR and suggest lessons for the future. Suggested reading: Leon Trotsky's "The Revolution Betrayed".

Felix Kreisel


Capitalism in Russia and Ukraine

Jan/19 Tue 06:00PM-08:00PM 5-233

What is the balance sheet of capitalist restoration in the former Soviet Union after its demise? While high oil and gas prices have propped up the Putin regime in the past, it is experiencing price shocks and contraction now. Ukraine has little oil and it is shattering as a state. We shall examine the economic, political and social trends and see where Russia and the other successor states are heading.

Felix Kreisel


The migrant crisis and the United States

Jan/26 Tue 06:00PM-08:00PM 5-233

From Lybia, Afghanistan and Syria, Africa, Asia and Latin America migrants are fleeing the destruction of their countries, while in Europe and US the ruling regimes mobilize their armies and police, build new concentration camps and encourage local fascists. The endless "war on terror" serves to justify the destruction of democracy, police killings and more brutality.

Felix Kreisel


Lessons of XXth century

Jan/28 Thu 06:00PM-08:00PM 5-233

Prosperity and stability under capitalism are impossible; world politics is characterized by wars, plagues, destruction of whole societies, militarism and preparation of new wars. Social inequality grows in every country and between regions. Humanity is facing a dilemma: socialism or barbarism.

Felix Kreisel