The Left in Russia

Abstract

The central problem facing the democratic left in Russia is its failure to date to win mass support, in particular among the working class, its natural social base. An analysis of this failure must, therefore, form the background for any discussion of left Russian political parties and movements. Accordingly, the first part of this article will deal with the social and political situation in the working class and the ('non-political') labour movement. The second part will present an historical overview and analysis of the left.