Capitalism exploits workers and peasants throughout the world without regard to nationality. Whatever differences arise between ruling classes of different countries at times they share common concerns and are always prepared to overcome divisions when faced with a challenge to their power and control.

The internationalism of the working class is therefore not just an aspiration - a nice idea - but a recognition of the need for workers to unite across national frontiers. This is particularly important as production becomes more spread out around the world. Internationalism does not mean ignoring the differences between various countries, saying "all workers are the same". But workers in different countries working for the same multinational company need to find a common strategy to unite against factory closures and speed-up.

This common interest of workers, and the need to organise internationally, was recognised by Karl Marx in the inauguration of the International Working Men's (sic) Association in 1864. Ever since revolutionary socialists have campaigned against their "own" ruling classes - in the two inter-imperialist world wars; for solidarity with socialists and anti-fascists in Spain during the revolution; in support of anti-imperialist forces fighting for national liberation in Vietnam and elsewhere; and, more recently, for international solidarity in defence of a multi-ethnic Bosnia in ex-Yugoslavia.

The necessity to organise across national boundaries means that we have to build a world-wide organisation of revolutionary socialists. An international which starts from conditions in one country, or even group of similar countries, is inadequate. This is why Socialist Outlook supports the Fourth International.

Youth for Socialist Action