Struggle and Mutual Aid

This engaging work by Nicolas Delalande revisits the significance of international worker movements and their impact on globalization and solidarity.

In Struggle and Mutual Aid, historian Nicolas Delalande delves into the often-overlooked history of international worker movements that spanned from the 1860s to the 1970s. This period marked a significant era where workers sought solidarity across borders, challenging the notion that globalization has only recently shaped labor dynamics. The book begins with the establishment of the International Workingmen’s Association in London in 1864, a pivotal moment that aimed to unite workers from various nations, languages, and trades. Delalande illustrates how this collective effort was a response to the rapidly changing economic landscape characterized by increasing capital mobility and rising inequalities.

As the narrative unfolds, Struggle and Mutual Aid examines the accomplishments of these worker movements, emphasizing their role in fostering internationalism. Delalande highlights key events and figures that propelled the cause of worker solidarity, demonstrating how these movements not only sought better working conditions but also aspired to create a more equitable world. The author provides a nuanced analysis of the successes and failures of these international efforts, shedding light on the complexities of labor relations during this transformative period.

However, the book does not shy away from addressing the decline of such movements over the past fifty years. Delalande explores the reasons behind this collapse, suggesting that the memory of international worker solidarity has faded from contemporary discourse. In doing so, Struggle and Mutual Aid invites readers to reconsider the importance of a united labor front in today's globalized world and reflects on the lessons that can be drawn from this rich history.