Entryism and the Revolutionary Socialist Left in Britain

This book explores entryism within the revolutionary socialist left in Britain, tracing its origins from the Communist Party of Great Britain's establishment in 1920 to Militant's departure from the Labour Party in 1992. It identifies multiple types of entryism and adopts a chronological approach, examining the relationships between the Communist Party and the Labour Party, British Trotskyists, and 17 organizations that engaged in entryism. The book aims to provide an exhaustive typology of entryism and contribute to understanding the history of the Labour Party and the Far Left in the UK.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate phenomenon of entryism within the revolutionary socialist left in Britain,spanning from the establishment of the Communist Party of Great Britain in 1920 to the eventual departure of Militant from the Labour Party in 1992. Entryism, as a strategic maneuver, involves the infiltration of a political party by another entity with the primary objective of achieving specific goals, which can evolve depending on the nature of the entry. This work unveils the fact that entryism manifests in various forms rather than being a singular phenomenon. Employing a chronological approach, the book begins with introductory chapters that examine the historical context and previous incomplete attempts to define entryism. The first part of the volume focuses on the intricate relationship between the Communist Party of Great Britain and the Labour Party until the mid-20th century. The subsequent two parts delve into the experiences of British Trotskyists before and after the Second World War. In total, 17 organizations that have engaged in entryism are meticulously examined, shedding light on their objectives, practices, and outcomes. Through this exhaustive analysis, the book aims to establish a comprehensive typology of entryism, filling a definitional gap in political science and providing a comprehensive account of a hitherto partially explored aspect of Labour's history. This volume will be of immense value to students and scholars with a keen interest in the historical trajectory of the Labour Party and the Far Left in the United Kingdom.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032547992