Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:00:45 -0500
From: CERLAC cerlac2@YORKU.CA
To: Editor@VHeadline.com
Subject: Venezuela and 21st Century Socialism

CERLAC presents: Venezuela and 21st Century Socialism with Diana Raby, discussing her new book 'Democracy and Revolution' -- October 9, 2007 2:30pm ­ 4:30pm 280 York Lanes.

Is socialism dead since the fall of the Soviet Union?

What is the way forward for the Left?

In 'Democracy and Revolution,' Raby argues that Cuba, and above all Venezuela, provide inspiration for anti-globalization and anti-capitalist movements across the world. Another world is possible, but only through an effective political strategy to win power on a popular and democratic basis.

Raby argues passionately that the way forward for progressives is not to be found in the dogmatic formulae of the Old Left, nor in the spontaneous autonomism of John Holloway or Tony Negri. Instead, it is to be found in new, broad and flexible popular movements with bold and determined leadership.

Examining the relationship of key leaders to their people, including Hugo Chavez and the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, Raby shows that it is more necessary than ever to take power, peacefully where possible, but in all cases with the strength that comes from popular unity backed by force where necessary. In this way it is possible to build democratic power, which may or may not be socialist depending on one’s definition, but which represent the real anti-capitalist alternative for the twenty-first century.

Diana Raby is Senior Research Fellow at the Research Institute of Latin American Studies, University of Liverpool (UK) and also holds the rank of Professor Emeritus in the Department of History, University of Toronto, where she taught for many years.

She is the author of numerous academic publications on populism, popular movements and revolution, with reference particularly to Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela and Portugal.

Diana has also long been active in solidarity movements and progressive political causes in both Canada and the UK.

For more information: cerlac@yorku.ca, 416.736.5237

www.yorku.ca/cerlac/news_events.htm#raby