Global flashpoints

Reactions to imperialism and neoliberalism

Leo Panitch and Colin Leys (editors), Merlin Press, paperback, 384 pages, £14.95

This 2008 edition of the annual Socialist Register surveys the key flashpoints of world politics today.

The first part discusses the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the growth of political Islam and the decline of secular nationalism. It contains a well-informed appraisal of the role of Iran by Asef Bayat.

The second part of the book deals with Latin America, with critical surveys on Venezuela, Brazil and Bolivia. There is also an interesting analysis of the Oaxaca commune, where teachers and other workers effectively took on the regional state power in Mexico in 2006.

The final part evaluates neo-liberalism, looking particularly at France, Eastern Europe and the USA. One of the strengths of the volume is its thoroughgoing internationalism, well expressed in the contribution by Kim Moody on immigrant workers’ rights in the USA.