Almost no other area of Marxist theory is more confused and misunderstood. A correct understanding of the Marxist-Leninist position on the national question is vital. The question of nationalities has always occupied a central position in Marxist theory. In particular, the writings of Lenin deal with this important issue in great detail. It is true to say that, without a correct appraisal of the national question, the Bolsheviks would never have succeeded in coming to power in 1917. We provide here a selection of theoretical material and current events analysis on this extremely important subject.

• Marxism and the National Question
  This in-depth document reviews the rich Marxist literature on this issue and applies it to today's conditions. Also available for download in .zip format. (February 25, 2000)

• Marxism and the National Question
  This short article by Alan Woods, was originally written for the Galician language magazine "Onte e Hoxe" and it deals with the general position of Marxism in relation to the national question and also explains the position in relation to Kosovo. (July 7, 1999)

• The Socialist Revolution and the Right of Nations to Self Determination (Theses)
  The classic expression of the Marxist attitude towards the national question. By V.I. Lenin.

• Resolution on the National Question
  From the 7th Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party (Bolsheviks). An excellent summary of the Leninist position on the national question. By V.I. Lenin.

• The Problem of Nationalities
  An outstanding exposition of the Leninist approach to the national question. By Leon Trotsky from the History of the Russian Revolution.

• East Timor: Can we trust the United Nations?
  Early this morning, the United Nations force, Interfet, landed in East Timor. The operation is likely to be confrontational. Great expectations are being placed in the intervention of the international military force. Not least in East Timor and Australia. This article analyses the role of the United Nations in East Timor and also the policies of the Timor Resistance movement and the left in Australia. (September 20, 1999)

• Connolly and the Easter Uprising
  This article, written by Ted Grant in 1966, deals with the lessons from the 1916 Easter Uprising and the role of the great Irish Marxist Connolly. Nowadays all sections of Irish society in the 26 counties hypocritically give support to the "brave and undying heroism of Connolly." The Irish capitalists pretend to honour him. Connolly would have split contemptuously in their faces. He fought them, ever since he attained manhood, in the interests of the Irish workers and of International Socialism.

• Middle East in Turmoil
  The election of Ehud Barak as Israel's new prime minister was heralded as a new breakthrough aimed at ending "the 100 year conflict" in the Middle East. Barak promised to withdraw from Lebanon in 15 months and honour the Wye River agreement by October. However the situation simply marks a new stage in the conflict between Zionism and imperialism and the Arab masses. Rob Sewell (September 1st, 1999)

• The Arrest of Ocalan and the Plight of the Kurdish People
  The arrest of Abdullah Ocalan the leader of the PKK (Workers Party of Kurdistan), has brought the oppression of the Kurdish people to the attention of the whole world. Workers around the world must support the struggle of the Kurdish people against the oppression they suffer at the hands of the Turkish regime. However, it is not sufficient to simply support the cause of the Kurdish people. It is also necessary to explain what lies behind the oppression of the Kurds and show a concrete way out of the impasse they are facing. Here we try to offer a Marxist analysis. February 26, 1999
  Read this article in German:  Die Verhaftung Öcalans und der kurdische Befreiungskampf

• Nationalism or Socialism? A Look at the Problems in Québec
  The recent election in Québec has once again brought to the fore the question of Québec separation. The Parti Québecois and the Liberals espouse their opinions on separation and federalism. Both clearly represent the bourgeois perspective and interests. But who talks about issues facing workers and youth? What are the socialist alternatives to the problems in Québec? (February 1999)