>The war in Iraq may lead some to think that another
>age of colonial occupation has begun. Yet eminent
>Marxist scholar Ellen Meiksins Wood believes that
>imperialism under capitalism is distinguished by its
>use of economic, rather than military, coercion. She
>traces the varied forms of empire throughout history
>and points to the opportunities that capitalist
>imperialism presents for the Left.
In saying that capitalism is distinguished by its use of economic rather than physical coercion she isn't saying anything new. But she is making a very important point. One that has important implications for strategy. Its amazing how many people don't understand this.
Bill Bartlett Bracknell Tas