An unconventional Marxist movement known for its belief in UFOs and the potential for extraterrestrial socialism.
The Fourth International Posadist, established by J. Posadas (born Homero Rómulo Cristalli Frasnelli) in 1962, represents one of the more esoteric branches of Trotskyism. Initially part of the broader Fourth International, Posadists diverged significantly in ideology and tactics, creating a distinct movement within the global communist landscape.
Origins and Founding
J. Posadas, born in 1912 in Argentina, became involved in Trotskyist politics in the 1930s. He rose to prominence within the Latin American Trotskyist movement and eventually became the leader of the Latin American Bureau of the Fourth International. In the early 1960s, Posadas and his followers split from the main body of the Fourth International, forming their own organization.
The split was primarily due to ideological differences and tactical disagreements. Posadas and his followers were notably involved in the Cuban revolution alongside Castro and Guevara, which set them apart from other Trotskyist factions. This involvement in Cuba’s revolutionary process played a significant role in shaping the Posadist movement’s unique perspective on global politics and revolutionary strategy.
Ideological Foundations
Posadism advocated for a proletarian revolution leading to a socialist state, echoing traditional Marxist theory. However, the movement developed a distinctive set of beliefs that set it apart from other Trotskyist groups. Posadas held several unconventional beliefs, such as the inevitability of nuclear war as a precursor to global socialism and the role of scientific progress and space exploration in achieving a utopian future.
The Posadist vision of society was one where humanity, liberated from capitalist constraints, would harness science for the common good. This included advancing to the point of childbearing in space and direct engagement with extraterrestrial beings. The movement emphasized the importance of scientific and technological progress in achieving socialist goals, viewing these advancements as crucial tools for human emancipation.
UFOs and Extraterrestrial Life
One of the most distinctive and unusual aspects of Posadism was its intense interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The Posadists interpreted UFO sightings as evidence of advanced socialist civilizations on other planets. This fascination marked a distinct shift in the group’s focus during the late 1960s and contributed significantly to its unique identity within the broader socialist movement.
Posadas argued that any society capable of interstellar travel would have to have achieved a form of communism to progress technologically and socially. He believed that contact with these advanced beings could aid Earth’s socialist revolution. This belief in UFOs and aliens set Posadists apart from other leftist movements and attracted a mix of ridicule and intrigue.
Nuclear War and Global Revolution
Another controversial aspect of Posadist thought was its advocacy for nuclear war as a means of destroying capitalism and paving the way for socialism. Posadas argued that a nuclear conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union would result in the annihilation of the capitalist system, allowing for the establishment of a worldwide socialist society from the ashes of the old order.
This stance on nuclear war was particularly controversial and alienated many within the broader Trotskyist movement, leading to the faction’s marginalization. Posadas argued that the working class should not fear nuclear war but should instead see it as an opportunity for global revolution. This perspective was rooted in the belief that the destruction of the existing capitalist order was necessary for the emergence of a truly socialist society.
Organizational Structure and Activities
The Fourth International Posadist was active primarily in Latin America and Europe, where it attempted to influence local communist parties and movements. Despite its eccentricities, the group engaged in traditional Trotskyist activities, including advocating for the working class, supporting labor strikes, and opposing capitalist governments.
Small Posadist groups were established in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and Italy. These groups published their own newspapers and engaged in political activism, often focusing on issues related to workers’ rights and anti-imperialism. The movement maintained a presence in various countries throughout the 1960s and 1970s, although its influence remained limited due to its extreme positions and idiosyncratic beliefs.
Leadership and Publications
J. Posadas was known for his charismatic leadership style, which combined intellectual rigor with a personal touch that drew comparisons to cult leaders. His approach to organizing and mobilizing followers was marked by a deep commitment to the class struggle, positioning him as a central figure within his movement.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Posadas and his followers published numerous articles and pamphlets outlining their beliefs and strategies. These publications often focused on the impending revolution, the role of nuclear war in hastening the end of capitalism, and the potential for extraterrestrial intervention in human affairs. Posadist literature also included critiques of other leftist movements, which they saw as insufficiently revolutionary or too accommodating to bourgeois interests.
Decline and Legacy
The death of J. Posadas in 1981 marked a significant turning point for the movement. Without its charismatic leader, the Fourth International Posadist struggled to maintain cohesion and relevance. The group’s membership dwindled, and its activities became sporadic. Many of its sections dissolved or merged with other Trotskyist groups.
Despite this decline, Posadism continued to attract a small but dedicated group of adherents who kept the movement’s ideas alive through publications and online forums. The unconventional nature of Posadist beliefs ensured that the movement remained a subject of curiosity within leftist circles, even as its political influence waned.
Throughout its existence, the Fourth International Posadist sect remained a relatively obscure and marginal force in global politics. Its influence was largely confined to small circles of dedicated followers who continued to propagate Posadist ideas through publications and political activities. The movement never achieved significant electoral success or mass support in any country where it operated.
Recent Resurgence of Interest
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Posadism, particularly among younger leftists and internet communities fascinated by its unconventional ideas. This renewed attention has led to a reevaluation of Posadas’ writings and a humorous appreciation of the movement’s more outlandish beliefs.
Social media platforms have played a significant role in this revival, with memes and discussions about Posadism circulating widely in leftist online spaces. This renewed interest, while often tongue-in-cheek, has brought Posadist ideas to a new generation of political activists and theorists.
Various “neo-Posadist” movements have emerged, reinterpreting the original ideas of J. Posadas in light of contemporary issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. While these new interpretations often diverge significantly from the original Posadist doctrine, they maintain the spirit of combining Marxist analysis with speculative futurism.
image via Jacobin
