The working-class movement, both in the U.S. and abroad, is in the midst of a deep ideological crisis. Its outcome will determine the future of civilization, or whether civilization itself will survive.

Over a century ago, Lenin observed that imperialism is “reaction all down the line.” Indeed, reaction — class oppression, racism, sexism, and the rise of neo-fascist movements — has reached new heights. In this situation, liberal, petty bourgeois radical, and fake populist MAGA ideology (to say nothing of right wing ideology) have led at best to confusion and at worst capitulation to the Trump Project 2025 agenda. Let’s be honest: MAGA has achieved footholds in important sections of the working class. Think about it: 1.3 million workers have had their union rights broken and there’s barely a response from the trade unions, while Democratic politicians in their majority throw up their hands in despair.

It’s the best of times and the worst of times in the working class movement. Anti-communism has declined, and new generations of trade union leaders are fighting back, leading strikes and organizing drives fighting to protect their family’s future. At the same time, unionization rates have reached new lows. But left to itself, the working class movement will only produce trade union consciousness, and that’s not enough to take on the most powerful ruling class in history, now dominated by neo-confederates and fascists.

In this situation, the Marxist left and Communists in particular struggle to gain ground and provide leadership, but clearly it’s a hard row to hoe. Indeed, instead of conscious, militant working-class leadership, spontaneity abounds. The question echoes across the decades: What is to be done?

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Image: Fred Barr / CPUSA