The Transitional Program

Originally written in 1938 by Leon Trotsky for the Fourth International, this program proposes 'transitional' demands designed to expose the limits of capitalism while raising workers' consciousness toward socialist revolution.

It argues that objective conditions for revolution exist and that appropriate leadership and demands can convert struggles into revolutionary situations.

The program lists concrete measures to mobilize the working class and links them to the need for political power and socialist transformation.

Historically central to Trotskyist strategy, it contrasts with minimum-maximum formulations by seeking demands that more directly precipitate confrontation with capitalist institutions.