Summary of the Build and Fight Lecture
The Build and Fight Formula is an educational and organizing framework developed to promote eco-socialism from below, centering on self-organized activities and institutions of the working class and oppressed people. The lecture, led by Kali Akuno and Thandi Chimurenga, outlines a methodology for achieving systemic change, emphasizing the need for collective coordination, radical transformation, and economic democracy.
Why Radical Transformation is Urgent
Akuno warns that capitalism is destroying the planet. He argues that a transition to a just and sustainable system must happen quickly.
A key challenge is that many people believe the end of the world is more likely than the end of capitalism. The Build and Fight Formula seeks to change this mindset.
Lessons from Past Movements
Recent social uprisings, like the Arab Spring and the George Floyd Rebellion, show mass mobilization is possible. However, they failed to create long-term revolutionary change.
Akuno highlights that reactionary movements like MAGA have capitalized on this failure. Future movements must learn from past mistakes to achieve lasting transformation.
A System in Crisis: Opportunities for Change
Today’s ruling class lacks a long-term strategy. Unlike the post-WWII Bretton Woods system, which reshaped the global economy, today’s elites are struggling to adapt.
This creates gaps and opportunities for revolutionary movements. Project 2025, a conservative plan to consolidate power, shows how capitalists are scrambling for control.
COVID-19 Proved Radical Change is Possible
The pandemic shutdown showed that systemic change can happen fast. Governments stopped global commerce, and carbon emissions dropped dramatically.
This moment proved that radical transformation is possible when there is political will. It challenges the idea that capitalism is too complex to change.
Class Struggle and Economic Alternatives
Akuno emphasizes that capitalism depends on the struggle between labor and capital. The ruling elite uses different governance strategies—neoliberalism, fascism, or social democracy—to maintain power.
The Build and Fight model aims to break this cycle by promoting:
- Worker cooperatives and self-organization
- Community-based production
- Food sovereignty and land decommodification
- Democratic coordination of resources
Steps to Build a New Economy
The strategy focuses on practical steps to create an alternative to capitalism. These include:
1. Mutual Aid & Social Reproduction
Organizing community networks to meet basic needs outside of capitalist markets.
2. Food Sovereignty & Land Decommodification
Ensuring that food production and land ownership remain in community hands.
3. Worker Cooperatives & Economic Planning
Transitioning labor and production toward collective ownership and democratic management.
4. Overcoming the “Deficit Mindset”
Recognizing that millions are already engaged in resistance but lack coordination.
The Rise of Techno-Feudalism
Akuno critiques corporate monopolies and AI-driven economies that deepen inequality. He warns that tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are pushing for authoritarian capitalist rule.
To resist, movements must develop alternative digital infrastructure. Open-source AI and community-led tech solutions are critical.
The Role of Labor Unions in Revolution
Traditional labor unions are important but limited by outdated laws like the National Labor Relations Act.
The Build and Fight strategy calls for expanding beyond traditional unionism. It advocates for direct worker control of industry and collective self-management.
Final Thoughts: The Path Forward
The Build and Fight Formula is a blueprint for revolutionary change. It combines economic democracy, radical transformation, and grassroots action.
This framework will evolve through monthly educational sessions. Feedback and discussions will refine strategies to dismantle capitalism and build a new system.
Join the Movement
- Follow Cooperation Jackson for updates on eco-socialism.
- Engage in local mutual aid and cooperative movements.
- Stay informed about Build and Fight educational sessions.
This is more than theory—it’s a call to action. The time for change is now.
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