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What is Revolutionary Defeatism?
The ongoing war in Ukraine represents a flashpoint in global politics, capturing the attention of anarchists, socialists, and anti-war activists worldwide. As the bloodshed continues, accompanied by escalating rhetoric from all sides, progressives are faced with a critical question: how should they respond? Revolutionary defeatism—an idea born from the revolutionary movements of the early 20th century—offers a powerful framework for addressing imperialist wars like this one. It demands that people oppose all sides in conflicts between ruling classes and work instead toward dismantling the systems that perpetuate war, exploitation, and suffering.
Revolutionary defeatism emerged as a response to the horrors of World War I. Revolutionary socialists argued that workers and oppressed peoples should not support the war efforts of their governments, even when framed as “defensive” or “just”. Instead, they called on workers to oppose the war outright, disrupt their governments’ ability to wage it, and turn imperialist conflicts into revolutionary opportunities.
The war in Ukraine is often presented as a simple conflict between good and evil: Ukraine defending its sovereignty against Russian aggression. Western media outlets portray Ukrainian soldiers as heroic defenders of democracy, while Russian state propaganda paints its actions as a defence against NATO encroachment. Both narratives obscure the deeper dynamics at play: a clash between imperialist powers, with the Ukrainian people caught in the middle.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is undeniably an imperialist act. Vladimir Putin’s government has long sought to maintain its influence over former Soviet states, and Ukraine—geopolitically significant and rich in resources—has been a key target. By framing the invasion as a defence of Russian-speaking populations and a response to NATO expansion, the Kremlin appeals to nationalism to justify its aggression.
But this war is not for the benefit of Russian-speaking Ukrainians or ordinary Russians. It is a war to secure the interests of the Russian ruling class, fought at the expense of working-class soldiers—many of whom are conscripts from marginalised regions like Dagestan and Buryatia. These young men are sent to die in a war they did not choose, while dissenting voices within Russia are silenced through repression.
On the other side, NATO and Western powers have eagerly supported Ukraine, flooding the country with weapons and military aid. While this is framed as support for Ukrainian sovereignty, it is clear that NATO’s involvement is driven by its own imperialist interests. For decades, NATO has expanded its influence eastward, antagonising Russia and destabilising the region. Ukraine, as a buffer state, has become a battleground for this geopolitical rivalry.
The US and its allies profit immensely from this conflict. Arms manufacturers like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and BAE System rake in billions as weapons flow into Ukraine, while Western governments use the war to justify increased military spending and crackdowns on dissent under the guise of national security. For them, Ukraine is not a partner but a pawn—a convenient battleground to weaken Russia without risking their own troops. In Ukraine, revolutionary defeatism means challenging the narrative that victory can only come through militarisation and western support.
The war in Ukraine is not an isolated event. It is part of a broader system of global capitalism and imperialism that perpetuates violence and inequality.
‘Revolutionary defeatism is not passive; it is a call to action’—to oppose war not by choosing sides. And the principles of revolutionary defeatism remain just as relevant today.
[This is an abridged version of a contribution found on an anarchist blog from New Zeeland—Aorearoa]
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Vol 57, No. 30, Jan 19 - 25, 2025 |