Twilight of World Trotskyism with John Kelly

In The Twilight of World Trotskyism, John Kelly examines Trotskyist movements across several countries to trace their trajectories from mid-20th century growth to contemporary decline. He analyzes organizational structures, the primacy of doctrine, factionalism, proliferation of internationals, and why Trotskyists have generally failed to build mass parties. The book compares national variants in Britain, France, the US, and Argentina, and situates Latin American developments in their historical context. Kelly also explores internal dynamics such as charismatic leadership, handling of sexual abuse scandals, and struggles to address gender and sexuality. The work combines archival research, interviews, and political sociology to explain the movement's resilience despite marginal electoral impact.

John Kelly's Contemporary Trotskyism analyzes British Trotskyist organizations as hybrid formations combining elements of political parties, sects, and social movements. The book explores organizational structures, doctrinal rigidity, entryism tactics, and the movements' engagements with trade unions and campaigns. It pays particular attention to internal dynamics, leadership, and the movement's treatment of issues such as gender and sexuality. Drawing on archival research and interviews, Kelly situates British Trotskyism within broader international trends and debates. The work is aimed at scholars and activists interested in the history and sociology of the far left.

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.