What We Are Reading (Patreon)

Hey everyone, here are some long-reads this week. Asad Haider has an interesting piece out in Viewpoint Magazine on State Theory. It's critical that the socialist movement has a worked out theory of the state and state power going forward, both for when you are trying to win power (like in the US), or keep it (like the coup in Bolivia). The state is much more complicated than many on the left currently treat it, and that needs to shift. If you are interested in more state theory and have some time I'd highly suggest looking in Althusser, Ralph Miliband, and Nicolas Poulantzas. Let me know if you'd like more in this subject.  

Ben Burgis also wrote a great essay on Coronavirus in Jacobin, I especially loved the introduction. Be sure to check it out. 

And lastly, on TMBS we are wanting to spend more time exploring ideology and the issues that it raises for a socialist project. I figured we could start with a key text from the Frankfurt School Adorno and Horkheimer's The Culture Industry. Understanding the role that this system plays in maintaining capitalism will be an important advantage as we move forward with our struggle. 

Solidarity as always, 

David Griscom 

What We Are Reading 

What Is Political Power - Asad Haider, 2020 

Coronavirus Should Be A Wake-Up Call - Ben Burgis, 2020

The Culture Industry - Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer, 1944

What We Are Watching 

Rick Roderick On Marcuse One Dimensional Man - 1993