This book arose from a request to the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI) by an Italian publishing collective ,Giovane Talpa’ for information about our ideas and policies with a view to publishing a book in Italy outlining the policies of the CWI.
As well as supplying documents and newspapers of the CWI and its national sections, it was subsequently agreed that representatives of Giovane Talpa would visit London for discussions with the CWI. They suggested that, during the visit, they would interview me, Peter Taaffe, speaking on behalf of the CWI. Yurii Colombo was able to visit London and the interview was conducted between 21 and 25 September 2006. Also present was Bob Labi. I answered most of Yurii’s questions but there were some important observations by Bob, which we publish alongside my comments.
We hope that the reader will agree that the format of this book – of questions and answers on a whole range of historical and contemporary issues – allows us to explain and clarify our ideas in some detail. The manner of presentation and also the sequence in which arguments are presented can pose for the reader some problems of a stylistic character. However, we have decided to maintain this format, because it gives an authentic ‘feel’ to the kind of discussion of our ideas, including interjections, which took place.
We read the whole transcript of these discussions, we decided that, in addition to Giovane Talpa publishing the book in Italian, we would issue an English version as well. This was in agreement with Giovane Talpa. We are extremely grateful to them, particularly Yurii, for suggesting this initiative and implementing it. Discussion and the debate of ideas through exchanges like this, conducted in a comradely way, are vital in this period of growing political ferment but also of doubts and questioning in the workers’ movement internationally.
Such is the speed of events today in the world of globalised neo-liberal capitalism, that what is written one day can very quickly be overtaken, sometimes in a matter of weeks or months. However, we have resisted the temptation to add additional points about events which took place after the original interview was conducted, apart from the occasional note to clarify issues.
I am extremely grateful to Kevin Parslow who has, as ever, been indefatigable in typing, at short notice, this lengthy ‘interview’ He has also assiduously checked out important facts. I would also like to thank Manny Thain for typing part of the interview and proofreading, Tony Saunois, Bob Labi and Clare Doyle for reading and checking what is presented here. Other comrades have also read parts of the interview. Any mistakes which remain, I am responsible for. We would welcome comments and discussion about the ideas of the CWI presented here.
Peter Taaffe
October 2006
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