Fourth International

Fourth International. The Fourth International was founded by Leon Trotsky and his followers in 1938, with the goal of promoting Marxism and Trotskyism worldwide, in opposition to Stalinism and Fascism. The organization was established after the Spanish Civil War, which saw the involvement of International Brigades and the Workers' Party of Marxist Unification led by Andreu Nin. The Fourth International was also influenced by the French Turn and the Entryism tactics developed by Trotskyist groups such as the Socialist Workers Party (US) led by James P. Cannon and the Revolutionary Socialist League (UK) led by Ted Grant.

● History

The history of the Fourth International is closely tied to the life and work of Leon Trotsky, who was exiled from the Soviet Union by Joseph Stalin and later assassinated in Mexico City by Ramón Mercader. The organization was also influenced by the Russian Revolution and the October Revolution, which saw the rise of the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin. The Fourth International played a significant role in the development of Trotskyist movements in countries such as France, Germany, and the United States, with groups like the Socialist Workers Party (US) and the Revolutionary Communist Party (UK) led by Tony Cliff. The organization was also involved in the Greek Civil War and the Chinese Civil War, with groups like the Communist Party of Greece led by Nikos Zachariadis and the Chinese Communist Party led by Mao Zedong.

● Founding Congress

The Founding Congress of the Fourth International was held in Paris in 1938, with delegates from Trotskyist groups from around the world, including the Socialist Workers Party (US), the Revolutionary Socialist League (UK), and the Communist League (France) led by Pierre Frank. The congress was attended by notable figures such as James P. Cannon, Ted Grant, and Ernest Mandel, who would later become a leading figure in the United Secretariat of the Fourth International. The congress adopted the Transitional Program, which outlined the organization's goals and strategies for achieving socialism and workers' power. The program was influenced by the works of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Vladimir Lenin, as well as the experiences of the Russian Revolution and the Spanish Civil War.

● Sections and Affiliates

The Fourth International has sections and affiliates in many countries around the world, including the Socialist Workers Party (US), the Revolutionary Communist Party (UK), and the New Anti-Capitalist Party (France) led by Olivier Besancenot. The organization is also affiliated with groups such as the Communist Party of Greece and the Workers' Party (Brazil) led by Rui Costa Pimenta. The Fourth International has also been involved in international campaigns and movements, such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement and the Solidarity (Polish trade union) led by Lech Wałęsa. The organization has also worked with other socialist and communist groups, such as the Socialist International and the Communist International, to promote workers' rights and social justice.

● Political Orientation

The political orientation of the Fourth International is based on the principles of Marxism and Trotskyism, which emphasize the need for workers' power and socialism to overcome capitalism and imperialism. The organization is opposed to Stalinism and Fascism, and has been involved in struggles against dictatorship and oppression in countries such as Spain, Greece, and Chile. The Fourth International has also been influenced by the works of Rosa Luxemburg, Anton Pannekoek, and C.L.R. James, who developed theories on workers' councils and revolutionary democracy. The organization has also been involved in debates on Leninism and Maoism, with figures such as Pierre Frank and Ernest Mandel contributing to the discussion.

● International Conferences

The Fourth International has held several international conferences over the years, including the 1963 Reunification Congress and the 1979 Congress led by Luis Alberto Nicolau. These conferences have brought together delegates from Trotskyist groups from around the world to discuss issues such as imperialism, neoliberalism, and globalization. The organization has also been involved in international campaigns and movements, such as the Anti-Globalization Movement and the World Social Forum led by Chico Whitaker. The Fourth International has also worked with other socialist and communist groups to promote workers' rights and social justice, and to build a global movement against capitalism and oppression. The organization has also been influenced by the works of Samuel Farber, Michael Löwy, and Daniel Bensaïd, who have written on topics such as Cuba, Venezuela, and France.