Empire & Revolution

 

Empire & Revolution

Capitalist crisis & imperialism in the 21st Century
Speakers:
Aurelien Mondon, researcher in nationalism, racism and populism & co-founder of the Melbourne Free University.
Max Lane, writer and lecturer on Indonesian politics, history and literature and Southeast Asian affairs; most recent publication Unfinished Nation: Indonesia before and after Suharto, Verso, 2008.
The contemporary financial crisis is a reminder of the longer-term crisis of the Empire and global economy. Neoliberalism's economic recipes provided a period of growth at the cost of the "welfare state", growing debt and increasing inequalities. The neoliberal model, however, is now in crisis - its political legitimacy and ideological hegemony under challenge. Guest speakers will discuss imperialism in the 21st Century and the potential for revolutionary change.

 
The challenge to imperialism in Latin America
Speakers:
Cecilia Saravio, Peace & Justice for Colombia
Salvador Nunez, Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN)
Jorge Jorquera, Revolutionary Socialist Party RSP & Centre for Latin America Studies & Solidarity CLASS
In Latin America, the political crisis of neoliberalism dates back to the turn of the new Century; encapsulated in Argentina's economic collapse, Bolivia's water war, Ecuador's people's parliaments, the election of progressive governments and most notably, the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. The speakers will discuss the background and dynamics involved in this crisis and the resurgence of social movements and revolutionary possibilities. [This event is supported by the Melbourne Latin American Forum]