Socialist Practice

“The left needs to guard against utopianism in the form of a wish list of changes that the revolution will allegedly bring. Some suggest that dialectics in its idealistic form encourages this tendency when the focus is on extrapolating into the future rather than analyzing the present. Wallis avoids such wishful thinking in this fascinating study of leftist theory and practice from Marx to the present.” (Steve Ellner, Monthly Review, April 1, 2021)

“In this set of careful, critical essays, interfacing between Marxist theory and economic, social and environmental praxis, Wallis offers much for American activists and thinkers seeking to move beyond the current degraded state of politics in their country. … [I]n bringing together historical-theoretical perspectives on Marxist theory and more focused examinations of particular social movements, Wallis provides further insights into the opportunities and constraints facing those seeking to act for change.” (Steph Marston, Marx andPhilosophy, marxandphilosophy.org.uk, December 3, 2020)

“No doubt, there is a great deal more to discuss. The differences between socialism and communism need to be explored, not only in the context of first-epoch socialism but under current conditions as well. … Socialist Practice makes an invaluable contribution to this discussion, extending neither panaceas nor Pollyanna hopes, instead offering thought-provoking interventions that should prove useful to organizers and theorists alike.” (Mat Callahan, Socialism and Democracy, Vol. 34 (2-3), 2020)