Fostering Collective Dominance: A Dialogue with Robert Longa
Revamped Discourse:
Interview with Robert Longa, founder of the Alexis Vive Patriotic Force, on the role of the commune in the current context:
A Magical Blend of Gramsci, Lenin, and Bolivar:
Robert Longa has deep roots in the Alexis Vive Patriotic Force, an organization instrumental in constructing the famed El Panal Commune in the 23 de Enero barrio, Caracas. A man of thought and action, Longa has contemplated the role of the base in a revolutionary process for years. His unique insights shone in this conversation, as he weaves Gramscian, Leninist, and Bolívar-Chávez Doctrine threads into a tapestry of revolutionary strategy.
The Future Begins Now: Building a Revolutionary Society:
The ensemble's grand vision for the commune transcends resistance; it envisions the construction of a new, liberated society. Rooted in communal councils, communes, and confederations, the ambitious plan is driven by economic and political self-management. This revolutionary approach marries the wisdom of Gramsci and Lenin with the Bolívar-Chávez Doctrine, ensuring the struggle is firmly intertwined with their history and the dream of the "Patria Grande."
Crafting 21st Century Socialism, the ensemble dreams of a solidarity-based society:
"In ancient Rome, the commune was the smallest political unit, the basic unit of society. In our modern context, it is the space where a new, emancipated civilization is being born, nurtured, and empowered," Longa explains.
Building Revolutionary Bases from the Ground Up:
The work of both Gramsci and Lenin carries significant weight in Longa's thinking. With seizing power at the core of revolutionary theory for decades, Latin American revolutionary movements followed the Maoist "foco" idea that arises resistance, creating favorable conditions for toppling ruling powers. Recalling the failed Popular Unity Government led by Salvador Allende and the triumphant Cuban Revolution, Longa proposes alternative paths to socialism.
"Though we draw inspiration from Soviet conquests, we reject blind adherence to their dogmatic construction," Longa emphasizes. "Our objective is not the mere replication of past triumphs, but shaping a new vision for the working class. Revolutionary progress must be consistent with local realities and evolving historical circumstances."
The Dialectic Dance:
Appropriate dialectical reasoning is essential to navigating the challenges and contradictions of revolutionary processes, Longa underlines. He imagines societies advancing, then stagnating, and learning to identify and overcome contradictions. Becoming acutely aware of the intricacies of historical processes opens doors to revolutionary breakthroughs.
"We live in an exciting moment," he declares. "The national government is wagering on the communal project and capital is advancing on multiple fronts. The imperialist juggernaut seeks to reclaim its monopoly position by any means necessary. But we won't bow to their demands. We stand firm in the pursuit of revolution."
Unignorable Challenges:
To succeed, revolutionaries must prioritize an immersive education process. Longa cites the Soviet Union's seizing power through armed struggle, then democratization, arguing that such a process is crucial in evolving consciousness and achieving societal transformation.
"Forward-thinking revolutionary groups must elevate collective awareness of the problems we face and develop practical visions for confronting them," he asserts.
Every Revolution Needs Left-Turns:
Recalling Che Guevara's observation, Longa emphasizes that a revolution must transform the consciousness of its participants. Challenged by an audience once about material incentives, Che responded that the revolutionaries didn't seek rewards for their sacrifices. This spirit animates Longa's approach toward the commune.
In Venezuela, the revolution did not come to power through armed struggle, necessitating a unique approach to attaining a new popular hegemony through the communes. Longa foresees the commune's evolution from resistance to offence, nurturing a sovereign production model rejecting capitalism.
"We must turn our compasses 90 degrees to the left and focus on establishing the commune as the hegemonic core of our revolutionary vision," Longa stresses.
Empower the People:
Longa's vision is one of organic growth and empowerment. He sees the people as the driving force behind revolutionary transformation, striving toward collective emancipation and ultimately building a new society of self-managed, cooperative enterprise.
"The commune needs to evolve from a counter-hegemonic space to the hegemonic core of our revolution," Longa suggests. "Through ceaseless dedication and creative thinking, we can rise to meet the challenges of this new era."
- Robert Longa, founder of the Alexis Vive Patriotic Force, explains that the commune, like its ancient Roman counterpart, is a fundamental cornerstone of a new, emancipated society they envision.
- Longa's ideology is shaped by the theories of Gramsci, Lenin, and the Bolívar-Chávez Doctrine, and he proposes an alternative path to socialism, emphasizing the importance of consistency with local realities and evolving historical circumstances.
- Longa emphasizes the need for dialectical reasoning in navigating revolutionary processes, suggesting that by addressing and overcoming contradictions, societies can advance and make revolutionary breakthroughs.
