Welcome to the official introductory reading list of the WSPUS! Before you even think about taking our membership test, you must educate yourself on the finer points of socialism. And what better way to do that than by reading some of our highly recommended articles?
First up, we have “Explanation of our Object and Declaration of Principles.” This one’s a real doozy. It’s basically a long-winded explanation of what we stand for as socialists. Trust us, you don’t want to skip this one.
Next on the list is “What Is Capitalism?” This one’s a no-brainer. If you want to be a socialist, you gotta know your enemy. And capitalism is definitely the enemy. This article will explain exactly what capitalism is and why it’s evil.
“What Is Socialism? ” is another must-read. This one will explain exactly what socialism is and why it’s the only way to save humanity. Spoiler alert: it’s because socialism means equality for all!
“Is Public Ownership Socialism?” is a common question that we get asked a lot. The answer is a resounding NO! Public ownership is antithetical to common ownership and socialism, and this article will explain why.
“What Does Common Ownership Mean?” is another important one to understand. Basically, it means that everyone owns all of the means of production together. We’ll still have personal property, but with no more private property and no more greed. Just pure, unadulterated socialism.
“How Might Socialism Work?” is a question that we get asked a lot, and this article has the answer. It explains how socialism would work in practice, and why it’s the only way to create a truly fair and just society.
“Russia, Lenin, and State Capitalism” is a must-read for any socialist. It delves into the history of socialism in Russia and how Lenin’s vanguardism influenced much of the modern socialist movement.
“Socialism Means One World” is a rallying cry for all socialists. This article explains why socialism is the only way to create a truly global community, free from borders and national divisions.
“The State, Government, and Administration” is a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of how a socialist society would be run. It covers topics like democracy, representation, and the role of the state.
“Socialism and Democracy” is an important read for anyone interested in the intersection of socialism and democracy. It explores how a socialist society would inherently be both democratic and fair.
“Vietnam and the Antiwar Movement” is a powerful piece that looks at the role of the socialist movement in the antiwar movement during the Vietnam War.
“The War Business” is a damning critique of the military-industrial complex and how it feeds off of capitalist greed.
“Left-Wing Groups” is a comprehensive look at the various left-wing groups that have emerged throughout history.
“Reformism 1” and “Reformism 2” are must-reads for anyone interested in the debates within the socialist movement. They explore the divide between reformists and revolutionaries.
And finally, we have “Religion.” This one’s for all the socialist atheists out there. It explains why socialism and religion are incompatible, and why atheism is a key component of socialist ideology.
After finishing our introductory reading list, we also recommend digging through our UK sister party’s Education section on their website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and, once you feel ready, you can apply for membership. Happy reading!
