In February, over 100 socialist activists from across Latin America met for a five-day school in Brazil to discuss the situation in Latin America and the struggle for socialism. Members of the Committee for a Workers International from Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile, and Brazil were present, as were members from the U.S., Germany, Greece, and Belgium.
As the economic crisis bites, the processes of mass struggle, revolution, and counter-revolution will intensify. The signs of radicalization and developing class consciousness can be seen throughout Latin America, from the mass demonstrations against election fraud in Mexico, to the student revolt in Chile and left-wing electoral challenges in Peru and El Salvador.
In Venezuela, the image of Chávezs government has been weakened somewhat, opening space for right-wing forces to regroup, while a deeper crisis could spark mass pressure to take far more radical measures. Meanwhile, the passage of Morales’ new constitution in Bolivia marks a clear victory of the masses there and could open up a more revolutionary situation.
The CWIs Brazilian section is actively discussing with another Marxist organization, Colectivo Liberdade Socialista, about unifying our forces, which presents an opportunity for a leap forward in creating a new, stronger section.
The school helped us prepare for the enormous opportunities for the socialist struggle now opening up in Latin America and around the world.