In public lectures held in Berlin and London, David North, chairperson of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site, explored the deepening global crisis of capitalism, particularly emphasizing the authoritarian trajectory of the Trump administration. Key themes included the unprecedented breakdown of American democracy under Trump, linked to a ruling elite characterized by oligarchic power, greed, and moral decay.
North drew parallels between historical moments of crisis, like the lead-up to the French Revolution, and the current political environment in the U.S., highlighting the extreme inequality and consolidation of wealth among the elite—where the wealthiest 0.1% possess significant financial resources and influence. He underscored the dire social implications, including rising poverty and economic distress for the majority of Americans.
As he examined the economic underpinnings of this crisis, North discussed the concept of “financialization,” noting how profit generation has become increasingly detached from actual production. He pointed out the unsustainable growth of debt and wealth concentration, which has led to social instability.
Towards the conclusion, North announced the launch of Socialism AI, a new tool aimed at fostering socialist consciousness among workers and youth, proposing that the technological advancements of AI could be harnessed for revolutionary purposes. He posited that despite the current socio-economic turmoil, conditions are ripe for a radical shift toward socialism, emphasizing the need for a collective working-class response to the failures of capitalism.
