Is overpopulation a threat to the planet? Martin Empson argues that the idea of overpopulation is used to deflect attention away from the destructive system of capitalism and the potential for collective struggle for a sustainable world. Martin is the author of Socialism or Extinction: The Meaning of Revolution in a time of Ecological Crisis. This talk was given at Keep Left 2021.

Frank Stilwell, Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney, and Solidarity member Phil Griffiths discuss the state of the Australian economy and the growing inequality being created by market dynamics. This talk was recorded at Solidarity's conference, Keep Left, in 2021.

This talk by Paddy Gibson explores how the expansionist imperatives of capitalism drove genocidal war across the colonial frontier, with a particular focus on Northern Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There is also discussion of the challenge posed to Australian nationalism by Indigenous resistance and why ruling class figures such as John Howard have tried so hard to bury the truth about frontier warfare. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in Sydney, May 2014.

This talk by Paddy Gibson reflects on the enduring power of Lenin's analysis in the pamphlet What is to be Done, first published in 1902. A main theme of the pamphlet is the relationship between workers' action for better wages and conditions, and broader political struggles and the development of socialist consciousness. Central to this is the question of how socialists should organise. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in Sydney, September 2012.

In this talk, Paddy Gibson applies the Marxist theory of imperialism to explore the founding of Australia and development of Australian imperialism in the Asia-Pacific region. There is a specific focus on Australian colonial rule in PNG and how this domination operates today, with some concluding comments on the refugee detention regime. Recorded at a Solidarity meeting in August 2013.

Australia's rulers have been working on joining the nuclear club for almost 80 years. Solidarity has published a new pamphlet that traces the history of uranium mining, nuclear testing and bids to buy, borrow or build nuclear weapons. David Glanz highlights some of the lessons. The pamphlet is available from Solidarity branches or by emailing [email protected]. 

A delegation of 50 union officials and rank-and-file union members visited the Pilliga Forest in NSW to hear from leaders of the Gomeroi traditional owners about their struggle against the Santos Pilliga/Narrabri gas project. Penny McCall-Howard talks about the delegation and its significance. Penny is the national research officer with the Maritime Union of Australia and a member of Solidarity. To support the campaign, visit https://gomeroingaarr.org/ 

The AUKUS agreement, nuclear-powered submarines and US nuclear-capable B52 bombers in the NT. Is this a simple case of US domination? Clinton Fernandes, whose book Sub-Imperial Power: Australia in the International Arena has just been published, discusses the issues. Clinton is a professor of international and political studies at the University of New South Wales.

This talk, recorded in 2015, provides an historical account of the invasion by British imperialism of Eora and Darug Country, what is now known as Sydney, Australia. Paddy Gibson discusses the dynamics driving the invasion and the war of resistance waged by Aboriginal people defending their homelands. Since this talk, historian Stephen Gapps has published a major book The Sydney Wars which is highly recommended.

Jonathan Sriranganathan, a Greens councillor on Brisbane City Council, talks about why Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe is being hounded by the establishment. He discusses the hypocrisy behind the attacks and why everyone on the left should stand with Lidia Thorpe.