Workers International League

The WIL is opposed to the foreign policy and wars of US and world imperialism. It can lead only to greater suffering, instability, and crisis on a world scale. But we are not opposed to war in the abstract, pacifist sense. As in all questions, we proceed from an analysis of the class interests involved in any given war. War is the most complex of all equations, and can lead to the most revolutionary situations. In this section you can learn more about our anti-war activities, and about the Marxist theoretical position on war. Be sure also to visit our sections on Anti-Terrorism, National News, International News, and Print out Leaflets for more on how to get involved in the anti-war movement. For the latest updates be sure to visit In Defence of Marxism.

Marxism and War

The "War on Terrorism"

The War on Iraq

Marxism and War

From: A reply to the RSL, Chauvinism and Revolutionary Defeatism
A brilliant exposition of the Marxist attitude towards war. Written during World War II, this article addresses the petty-bourgeois ideas of pacifism as well as examining Lenin and Trotsky's writings on war and imperialism. From the selected writings of Ted Grant The Unbroken Thread. (June 1943)

Marxism and War
An excellent look at some of the fundamental questions facing Marxists in regard to war. By Phil Mitchinson

The Roots of Modern War
A great, brief piece on the Marxist perspective on modern imperialist war. By James Connolly

The "War on Terrorism"

The Vietnam War Syndrome Resurfaces
We received this from Bob M. who gives this first-hand report from the anti-war demonstration in San Francisco. Send us reports on locL anti-war activities! October 26, 2002.

Mobilize Against the War on April 20!
The "Battle in Seattle" announced to the world that even in the "belly of the beast", there is outright opposition to the policies of imperialism. Around the world, subsequent meetings of the IMF, World Bank, G8, and NATO have been met with a rising tide of militant protest and increasingly ruthless repression by the ruling class. But the attacks of September 11th cast a shadow over the movement - anyone voicing opposition to the policies of imperialism was considered unpatriotic and even a terrorist - "you're either with us or against us!" This forced the cancellation of the anti-IMF protests planned in Washington DC for late September, 2001. By Scott Plant

Anti-war demonstration in London: One step forward, two steps back
Report of the demonstration against the war in Afghanistan held in Trafalgar Square on Sunday Novemeber 18.

The War in Afghanistan: Swamps and Alligators
The situation in Afghanistan after the dramatic fall of Kabul continues to give the British and Americans a headache. Washington is still trying to improvise a coherent strategy, making up its policy as it goes along. Bush's lackey, Tony Blair is having trouble keeping step. An update on the war by Alan Woods.

Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul: Is the war over?
In less than a week, Taliban forces have been swept from most of northern Afghanistan, including the key cities of Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat, Kunduz, Taloqan, Bamiyan, Jalalabad and the capital Kabul. The question is: How did a force that only two months ago controlled most of Afghanistan get swept from the battlefield so quickly, and is the battle over? By Alan Woods.

Into the whirlwind - The first week of the war in Afghanistan
Alan Woods reports from Russia on the developments during the first week of the war on Afghanistan and particularly the way in which Russia is advancing her interests in the whole of Central Asia and the Caucusus on the back of the 'war on terrorism'. Woods also outlines the difficulties which the US will increasingly find in this campaign. Moscow, October 12, 2001.

The War on Iraq

Two Years of the Iraq War
A new WIL flyer on the second anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. This March 19 and 20, there will be demonstrations against the occupation across the country. Print these out and hit the streets!

US Imperialism and the War on Iraq
As preparations for war with Iraq continue, it is important that we begin to mobilize against it. The hypocrisy of the US ruling class is exposed in the article by John Peterson.