Revolutionary processes cannot be drafted on the drawing board. Nor do they fall from the sky. They result from decades of continuous work for change in the here and now, as well as from the spontaneous struggles of social movements and the utopian desires of those who rebel against the status quo. In our strategy, we refer to both: The transformative shift in the balance of power as well as acting in the short-term dynamic of concrete opportunities.
With opportunities, we mean time windows in which seemingly stable processes become erratic and volatile. Moments and events in which, for a narrow time frame, there is much more to win but also to lose than initially expected. Such opportunities cannot be brought about by force. Yet, in times of growing instability, these opportunities emerge in higher frequency. The last years showed that the courageous interventions of activists can make a real difference. An example are the nationwide protests against the election of Thomas Kemmerich as minister president of Thuringian in 2020. However, this example also shows that we have been primarily capable of acting spontaneously, especially when it came to defensive struggles. We could prevent the worst outcome but seldom utilize these moments to advance the societal left as a whole. Important prerequisites for the latter are the analysis of societal developments, a good sense of societal situations and sentiments, close ties to relevant actors and affected groups, and the capacity to coordinate decisive interventions. To pass on knowledge and experience, a cross-generational organizing project is essential.
The challenge for revolutionary politics is combining short-term opportunities with long-term transformational strategies. The latter achieve material success, serve as examples of the feasibility of left ideas and permanently ground them within society. They enable the adoption of emancipatory social relations and provide a practical perspective beyond the tristesse of contemporary capitalism. The productive interplay of opportunities and long-term strategies makes small ruptures in the system possible.
Small ruptures are key milestones in our politics. Thereby, we mean changes that systematically enhance and broaden our scope of action and societal counter power: (1) They shift the horizon of the possible (2) They achieve a real improvement of living conditions (3) Within them, people organize in structures that are capable of acting and asserting themselves. Only by connecting these dimensions, political achievements may become fault lines within the system. Ruptures exhaust or even break the existing rules to make the unimaginable imaginable, without shaking the fundamental conditions. Not every reform we accomplish against the state is a small rupture. But, the latter is the foundation for successful revolutionary processes. The campaign “Deutsche Wohnen und Co. Enteignen” is an example of politics that point towards a small rupture: The referendum regarding the expropriation of large real estate groups makes expropriation and socialization as real prospects graspable. Its realization would mean significant improvements for renters and has in fact enforced short-term material concessions. The project is more than just a campaign because it also provides a frame for organizing tenants and urban activists in lasting structures that are capable of action.
The relation between opportunities and transformation in moments of uprising is especially complex and far-reaching. Uprisings are a specific form of opportunity. At times they mark the difference between today and tomorrow. They develop a highly symbolic and motivating power and are capable of destabilizing power relations. But they are threatened by repressive violence and the logic of military escalation. Therefore, organized structures and a societal foundation are important to pursue an emancipatory project that can reach beyond short-term dynamics.
Uprisings unfold their actual revolutionary character when they cross the boundaries of a purely social or political conflict and encompass all societal areas. In those situations, means such as blockades, sabotage and political strikes are especially important. Additionally, previously established self-governed structures can outgrow themselves, pointing the way to real change. Uprisings without such material and structural foundations remain a flash in the pan. A revolutionary uprising is a struggle fought by an overwhelming majority against the minority of the ruling class.
With this in mind, we aim for moments in which the power lies on the street. Even though it sounds truly challenging: We must recognize opportunities and do what seems impossible - otherwise opportunities will either flash by or be seized by reactionary forces. This requires us to be rebellious and ready to dare breaking with the status quo as revolutionary subjects. Yet, it is also dangerous to lose ourselves in the hope for these moments, aimlessly looking for opportunities. Such an approach can wear us down and lead to resignation. Especially in times of dynamic crises, we must handle both as subjects and also as an organization: Being open to dynamic situations while simultaneously pursuing the long-term transformation with the necessary perseverance.