Introduction

For socialists, the issue of the state is vital. What is its class character? What programme and policies should we put forward?

These questions were recently raised by Michael Wainwright in his statement, Re: Marxists and the State, in which he argues that the Socialist Party and its predecessor, Militant, have adopted a reformist as opposed to a Marxist position.

Michael has since left the party, but we still consider it important to debate the issues he raises. Lynn Walsh replies: The State: A Marxist Programme and Transitional Demands.

Appendices

The State, A warning to the Labour movement – A Militant pamphlet, (1983)

The Communist Manifesto – Karl Marx and Frederick Engels

The Demands of the Communist Party of Germany – Karl Marx and Frederick Engels

The State and Revolution – V. I. Lenin