Leon Trotsky was a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution and a key leader of the Bolshevik Party. Apart from the horrors he inflicted in his own time, he also left a poisonous legacy that continues to influence modern political discourse. His ideas and actions had a lasting impact not only on over Marxist thought and overt revolutionary strategies, and international politics but also often hidden influences on the 'mainstream' or 'respectable' politics. Here are some aspects of his legacy and the insidious influences often associated with him - what we will term 'trotrot':
The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) led by the eponymous disgraced ex-British Prime Minister can be seen as embodying several aspects of a Trotskyist approach, particularly in its internationalist focus and its advocacy for global reform and intervention. Here are some examples of how the TBI typifies a Trotskyist approach:
Internationalism and Global Reform: Trotsky was a strong advocate for internationalism and the idea that revolutions should not be confined to single nations but should be part of a global movement. Similarly, the TBI is deeply involved in international projects and advocacy for global change. It works across multiple countries and regions, focusing on issues such as governance, extremism, and the Middle East, which aligns with Trotsky's vision of a global revolutionary movement.
Advocacy for Intervention: Trotsky believed in the necessity of revolutionary intervention to bring about change. The TBI has been involved in various forms of intervention, including advocacy for military action and support for authoritarian regimes. For example, the Institute has worked with the authoritarian regime in Azerbaijan and has been involved in projects that support governance in fragile and developing states, which can be seen as a form of interventionist policy.
Focus on Governance and Reform: Trotsky emphasised the need for a vanguard party to lead the proletariat and implement revolutionary change. The TBI's focus on governance and its work with governments and leaders of fragile, developing, and emerging states to enhance their effectiveness can be seen as a modern interpretation of this idea. The Institute provides analysis, commentary, and support to help governments implement their vision for development, which is akin to Trotsky's concept of a guiding revolutionary leadership.
Advocacy for Technological Revolution: Trotsky saw technology and industrialisation as key to revolutionary progress. The TBI, under Blair's leadership, has a strong focus on technological solutions, particularly AI, as a means to drive economic growth and reform. Blair has personally advocated for the integration of AI into economic and governance strategies, seeing it as a revolutionary tool for productivity and growth.
Engagement with Authoritarian Leaders: Trotsky's approach to leadership was often authoritarian, and he believed in a strong, centralised party structure. The TBI's engagement with authoritarian leaders, such as Paul Kagame in Rwanda, reflects a similar willingness to work with strong, centralised leadership to achieve reform goals. This engagement is justified by the belief that such leaders can implement necessary changes, even if their methods are authoritarian.
Critique of Western Decadence: Trotsky was critical of the bourgeoisie and the capitalist system. Blair, through the TBI, has critiqued what he sees as the "economic stasis and cultural relativism of traditional democratic leaders," which can be interpreted as a critique of Western decadence and a call for more dynamic, interventionist leadership.
Support for Liberal Internationalism: While Trotsky was a Marxist, his internationalist vision shares similarities with liberal internationalism, which the TBI also advocates for. This includes support for multilateral institutions, global cooperation, and the promotion of liberal democracy and free trade. The TBI's work in promoting religious co-existence and governance reforms in various countries aligns with this internationalist vision.
In conclusion, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change exemplifies a modern, adapted version of Trotskyist thought through its internationalist focus, advocacy for intervention and reform, engagement with authoritarian leaders, and emphasis on technological and governance solutions. These aspects reflect Trotsky's vision of a global revolutionary movement and the need for strong, centralised leadership to bring about transformative change.