some more discussion of CIA infiltration in anarchist publications here https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2021/10/15/cointelpro-fbi-anarchism-disrupt-left/
some more discussion of CIA infiltration in anarchist publications here https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2021/10/15/cointelpro-fbi-anarchism-disrupt-left/
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I don't think you can fully or mostly blame world communist movements for being reliant on the USSR. The USSR and other communist movements always face an uphill battle against centuries of propaganda, imperialism, and oppression. It makes sense that the most theoretically and technologically advanced and well-supplied and financially well-off country to foot the bill in order to spread socialism, though I agree that in certain circumstances the USSR did constrain movements and leaders too tightly.
I don't know any M-Ls that won't admit this when in discussion with other left tendencies (especially when it comes to Spain). I'd like to think Marxists have learned from past mistakes. It'd be nice if anarchists did the same so we could focus on the more immediate picture rather than on historical feuds between different factions a century ago.
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Can you give an example? I mean, providing context for a Soviet decision or elaborating on why the USSR did something doesn't necessarily mean someone agrees with it.
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What's the difference between rationalising something and insisting on treating it in its historical and political economic context?
I note as an aside that almost every time someone puts the Ukraine war into context, a lib will claim that this must be (uncritical) support for Russia/Putin. But one doesn't necessarily follow the other. (I'm giving libs the benefit of the doubt here, as I don't think most know the difference between critical and uncritical support.)
How does one add nuance if those who've already come to a conclusion reject the nuance as rationalisation (apologia?) for leading to a revised conclusion.
Actually, that's the one point that isn't accurate. The life expectancy stagnated since the 1970s, in the USSR and in Warsaw Pact states.
However, countries like Cuba continued rising in life expectancy at a steady pace (except for 1991-1994 for some reason) famously to the point of beating the United States of America.