I'M NOT sure that Stephen Valentine's comment on Callinicos's recent book, 'Trotskyism', that the argument is one which you could have with any Socialist Worker seller, (SO 2), isn't a back-handed compliment. It does suggest a theoretical consistency from the university library to the factory gate which is frequently missing in far left groups.
Firstly, Callinicos's book is an attempt to explain Trotskyism to a wider, mainly academic audience, outside of the frequently sectarian criteria which various Trotskyists set to 'prove' their theories. Hence the references to Lakatos et al. My understanding is that the book has been a success on those terms.
Secondly, I'm not aware that it's the case that the SWP argues that the Fourth International should not have been formed in 1938. My understanding is that it was the only, and very necessary, option open at the time. That is not to say that it is still the only possibility over 50 years later.
Thirdly, and as for the rest of the comments on state capitalism, I would draw Comrade Valentine's attention to one of the Rules which Marx wrote for the First International in 1864. 'The emancipation of the working class is the act of the working class itself'. One point which has stood the test of time.
Keith Flett, London N17