Come to the Marxism 2012 Conference this weekend
Posted by John, April 3rd, 2012 - under Marxism 2012, Socialist Alternative.
The Marxism 2012 conference in Melbourne over Easter promises to be the largest left wing conference in Australia this year.
From Thursday 5 April to Sunday 8 April, hundreds of activists, socialists, writers and revolutionaries from across the world and around the country will descend on Melbourne University Student Union to discuss and debate the issues confronting those of us who want to see a better world.
The austerity and resistance in Europe, the ongoing Arab revolutions and the Occupy Wall Street movement have transformed the political situation around the world. We are in the midst of the biggest wave of rebellion in generations, the outcome of which will decisively shape global politics for decades to come.
This year the conference will reflect on a year of continuing global economic uncertainty and revolutionary struggle. Marxism 2012 is a great opportunity to hear stories from the front lines of the global rebellion, and to participate in discussions on all aspects of socialist and radical politics.
Marxism 2012 opening night: Thursday 5 April
Opening night of the conference will feature:
Malalai Joya: Outspoken Afghan critic of US war and occupation.
Ricarero Galvez: Student activist; president of the University of Concepción student union and involved in the momentous student protests in Chile.
Leia Pettey: Leading participant in the Occupy Wall Street movement.
Chie Matsumoto: Japanese journalist, trade unionist and anti-nuclear activist.
Wilson Fortaleza: Filipino labour activist.
Diane Fieldes: Socialist Alternative national executive member.
The rest of the conference will host over 60 sessions on topics ranging from radical Australian history, revolutionary movements, key texts of Marxism, debates on the left, trade unionism today, plus radical poetry, music and walking tours. There will also be a giant left wing bookshop. Conference highlights include:
Panel: Revolution and rebellion in Egypt and Bahrain, featuring Reham Maklad (Founder of April 6 movement in Australia), Hanney Seylim (Egyptian Australian activist who participated in the January uprising in Tahrir), Nabeel Hameed (Bahraini activist and neurosurgeon who was arrested and tortured for 81 days for his participation in the struggle for democracy), Friday 6 April, 11:30am.
John Pilger: Award winning independent journalist and film-maker, Friday 6 April 2pm.
Gary Foley: Legendary Aboriginal activist and raconteur, Friday 6 April, 7pm.
Mamdouh Habib: Former Guantanamo Bay inmate and anti-imperialist campaigner, Friday 6 April, 4pm.
Saeed Amireh: Palestinian activist from the West Bank town of Ni’lin, Saturday 7 April, 4pm
Malalai Joya: Speaking on her life and struggle, Saturday 7 April, 1:30pm
Leia Pettey: Speaking on the Occupy Wall Street movement and US politics, Saturday 7 April 7pm.
Chie Matsumoto: Speaking on Fukushima and the Japanese nuclear industry, Saturday 7 April 11:30am.
Panel: Why gay marriage is not an issue of conscience, with Equal Love Victoria convener Ali Hogg and National Union of Students National Queer Officer Kat Henderson, Sunday 8 April 10am.
Don’t miss out on your tickets! Buy them today and check out the full conference program at marxismconference.org. Alternatively, just come along and buy a ticket on the day.