Another Side of Frantz Fanon: Reflections on Socialism and Democracy

In: New political science: a journal of politics & culture, Heft 40, S. 89-111

Abstract

Analyzes Frantz Fanon's indirect critique of Soviet orthodoxy & orthodox communism, & outlines his ideas on democratic socialism, in light of the current difficulties facing socialists after the collapse of the USSR. Various scholars' interpretations of Fanon's stance on classical Marxism, the role of the proletariat & the peasantry, the French Left, actual existing socialism, & the formation of the revolutionary party are described. It is shown how Fanon used the context of the Algerian revolution & other African nationalist movements to criticize the typical Leninist parties running Eastern European governments during the Cold War & provide a warning to the leftist elements among Algerian revolutionaries. It is concluded that Fanon's focus on individual rights & argument that humans have a "destiny to be free" are the bases for the continuing importance of his thought. T. Arnold