Organizing Anticapitalist Internationalism in Contemporary and Historical Perspective

Although transnational collective anticapitalist action is the Left’s historical instinct, past efforts at collaboration failed at building a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable international. Reflecting on internationalism’s history, this essay challenges assumptions and approaches to internationalism and unity. History suggests common aims and solidarity are insufficient, especially when the pursuit of collaboration from distinct positions leads to conflict. Creating a more institutionalized context for unity promises a more enduring collaboration. A revitalized Left institutionalism is needed. It should endeavor to build institutions especially for mediation (a practice underemphasized in the Left’s historical tradition), such as an international conflict-adjudicating “workers and peoples” tribunal. Institutions like a tribunal composed of rank-and-file workers could be put at the center of international socialism along with leaders and full-time activists, constituting a coactive power that would be part of an expanded Left institutional sphere aimed at creating an anticapitalist international system within the existing international system.