Internationalist Workers' Left
The Internationalist Workers' Left (Greek: Διεθνιστική Εργατική Αριστερά, ΔΕΑ; DEA) is a Trotskyist political organization in Greece. Founded in 2001, it is a part of the broader left-wing movement within the country. Its origins can be partially traced back to the split within the Communist movement during the early 20th century, particularly distinguishing itself from Stalinism, which it sees as a betrayal of true Marxist values.
Historical Context
The Internationalist Workers' Left emerged in a period marked by a restructuring of the Greek political landscape, particularly with the formation and rise of Syriza, a coalition of leftist organizations including Renewing Communist Ecological Left (AKOA), Movement for the Unity of Action of the Left (KEDA), and others. The DEA distinguished itself as a proletarian internationalist group that advocated for true workers’ liberation across national boundaries, taking inspiration from Leon Trotsky's critique of the centralized, bureaucratic control he saw arising under Stalin.
Ideological Framework
The DEA adheres to the principles of Trotskyism, focusing on permanent revolution and the need for a global proletarian revolution. This aligns with their belief in proletarian internationalism, a core tenet that aims to unify workers globally against capitalist exploitation. They view their movement as part of a broader left-wing international tendency that includes groups like the Internationalist Communist Party in Italy and the International Communist Current.
Organizational Goals
The Internationalist Workers' Left is committed to agitating among workers, spreading revolutionary rhetoric, and building a centralized revolutionary organization. They aim to differentiate themselves from the so-called "left swamp"—groups they see as compromising revolutionary principles through engagement with institutional politics or collaboration with capitalist structures.
Affiliations and Collaborations
As part of its internationalist mission, the DEA participates in broader conferences and collaborates with other internationalist left organizations. This is evident in their participation in events like the International Conferences of the Communist Left, which seek to unify the various strands of leftist thought and action under a common cause.
Related Topics
This article serves as an introduction to the Internationalist Workers' Left, providing an overview of its history, ideology, and objectives within the broader landscape of Greek and international leftist movements.