I know some people in my local DSA who uncritically support the idea that Russia is incapable of imperialism and who probably would have supported Assad because they were an ally of Russia.

[–] laurelraven@lemmy.zip 7 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I know this probably comes across as "no true Scotsman", but I have a really hard time believing anyone who legitimately holds those views can also be socialist

[–] dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

It doesn't for me, I personally think authoritarianism is a contradiction of "leftist" values.

It's like "cultural feminism" which espouses the supremacy of women over men - if you aren't advocating for the equality of the sexes, you aren't really a feminist. :-/

[–] laurelraven@lemmy.zip 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I mean, I'm not disagreeing, that's what I'm saying I trouble believing, a "socialist" authoritarian.

And like you, I don't really get how leftist values are remotely compatible with authoritarianism.

[–] dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 3 weeks ago

A common starting place for trying to understand it would be reading: https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1872/10/authority.htm

I'm not convinced by his argument, but it's commonly pointed to and worth being familiar with.

Either way, "left communism" ftw.