Permanent Revolution in Latin America

This book presents the histories of the revolutions in Cuba,

Nicaragua, and Venezuela as the latest demonstrations of the price

the popular masses pay for the absence of a correct revolutionary

strategy. The goal of the leaders of the revolutionary movements in all

three countries was to create a progressive, independent bourgeoisdemocratic

state but contrary to expectations, the national bourgeoisie

did not welcome a national democratic revolution. Instead, faced

with a mass movement, it fought hard to re-assert its own and US

imperialism’s economic and political stranglehold, opposing increased

democratic rights, greater social equality, agrarian reform and the

redistribution of wealth.

We trace how, in all three countries, the national bourgeoisie joined

forces with imperialism and used violent methods to reverse the

progressive measures made, and when these attempts failed carried

on a campaign of economic sabotage to starve the masses into

submission. In Cuba the revolution was propelled forward by abolishing

capitalism and enormous conquests were made. In Nicaragua and

Venezuela, the revolution was stopped half way, leading to disaster

and defeat.

As the world enters a decisive revolutionary epoch, reformists, just

as they did in Nicaragua and Venezuela, attempt to hold that revolution

back. In the face of all experience, their solution to social crises is one

which stubbornly remains within the narrow limits of capitalism.

This book is a contribution to the debate about revolutionary

strategy. It highlights the lessons to be learned from the recent past,

argues against the failed reformist approach and draws the conclusion

that only through the workers coming to power and expropriating the

oligarchy can we begin to overcome the exploitation and oppression

of the masses.