Juan Dal Maso’s "Hegemonía y lucha de clases. Tres ensayos sobre Trotsky, Gramsci y el marxismo" represents an ambitious attempt to rethink the relation of Gramsci to the traditions of revolutionary Marxism, by means of a critique of those positions that emphasised the possibility of a reformist reading of Gramsci and of an attempt to suggest that Gramsci and Trotsky faced the same open challenges of redefining revolutionary strategy.

Employing the words of Trotsky and Gramsci, the authors analyze the development of the working class as a social and political subject in “Western” countries, with their complex socio-political structures. To argue against the idea of conquering spaces within the regime and coexisting peacefully with the bureaucracies of the mass movement, as well as against the adaptation to administering the state’s social assistance or to the current structure of unions, they draw on Trotsky’s writings on France, in which he introduces the concept of “committees of action” of the vanguard and sectors of the masses as a way to unify and coordinate their struggles.

The revolution that began 42 years ago offers lessons for how to beat imperialism and reactionary governments.

The inauguration of a new U.S. president is a moment to reflect on the kind of democracy Marxists fight for, and on the true character of the pseudo-democracy used to administer the United States on behalf of the capitalist class.

As 2021 unfolds, the question of strategy may confront the working class in ways it has not in decades. The strength to fight back against a capitalist onslaught of austerity coupled with an insurgent right wing will hinge on whether the working class unites itself or allies with our class enemies.

The violent far-right assault on the Capitol on Wednesday has raised the specter of fascism. But what is meant by that term? Marxism provides the answer.