The Resurrection of Social Movements in a Period of Change

• In Event: The 2009 Crisis of Neoliberalism: Marxist Scholars on Rhetorics of Stability and Change

Abstract

The nomination of Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for
President saw a shift in political consciousness that continues today.
All over the world, nascent or dormant social movements have risen
that promise either outright change or pressure on the ruling class
for change. From the US anti-war movement to struggles for LGBT
rights, and from protests in Greece and throughout Eastern Europe to
the increase in worldwide support for Palestine, we find ourselves in
a moment of political confidence and activity nearly unprecedented in
our lifetimes. This presentation provides a broad overview of the
recent leftward shift in political consciousness worldwide and a
classical Marxist perspective on the current political period.
Particular attention will be paid to the global economic crisis and
the election of Barack Obama in the United States.

Author

• Kathleen Feyh, University of Texas, Austin