Welcome to the Marxist Society of Belfast!

What is the Marxist Society?

The Marxist Society is a Belfast-based society where we meet and discuss the works and theories of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky and other Marxist thinkers! We discuss how these ideas apply to our understanding of the world as it is today, as well as how we can change it. We aim to organize and educate the working-class youth for a socialist future.

Why do we need a Marxist society?

A Marxist society is important here at Ulster University because it is ultimately the youth, the educated and revolutionary youth, that holds the future in their hands. The working class of the world needs a vanguard party to work as a spearhead to drive a wedge into the capitalist system – that vanguard party can be formed right here at UU!

Capitalism plagues the everyday life of everyone in society, and that is including you! As a student, you are burdened by tuition fees and debilitating debt; landlords drain your wallet through exponentially increasing rent; and bosses and CEOs exploit your labour to fund their yachts and vacations. Universities have become businesses that sell you a degree at exorbitant rates, rather than providing you with a solid education that properly equips you for your future.

Marxism teaches us that capitalism, however, is no insurmountable obstacle. The exploiters and oppressors of capitalism can - and will be - challenged and eventually overthrown. Our task as a society is to aid in the building of a revolutionary organization that will realise this goal. 

“If you remove the English Army tomorrow and hoist the green flag over Dublin Castle, unless you set about the organization of the Socialist Republic your efforts will be in vain. England will still rule you. She would rule you through her capitalists, through her landlords, through her financiers, through the whole array of commercial and individualist institutions she has planted in the country and watered with the tears of our mothers and the blood of our martyrs.”
- James Connolly, Socialism and Nationalism (1897)

What does the Marxist Society do and when do we meet?

The Belfast Marxist Society has many different activities of all kinds!

Reading Groups: One of our most interesting activities are our recurring readings on chapters in texts such as The Communist Manifesto by Friedrich Engels & Karl Marx, What is Marxism? by Alan Woods & Rob Sewell, and State and Revolution by V.I. Lenin. In our group readings, we’ll go over some comments and contributions from our readers, or some questions people may have about the texts, etc.

Discussions on Current and Historical events: In addition, we will have weekly discussions on Monday evenings on world events, both current and historical. From a Marxist viewpoint, we will discuss current issues such as the Palestinian genocide by Israel, the imperialist war of Ukraine and Russia, the election of Donald Trump, and more. On the historical side, we discuss events such as the October Revolution of 1917, or the French Revolution, or maybe even primitive communism!

Outreach & Recruitment: We also hold weekly stalls on Wednesday mornings where members are welcome to help our society reps recruit new members for our society. These stalls help get our name out there and lets students know that there are other students fighting for them!

Anyone is welcome to join!

Everyone, whether you’re completely unfamiliar and new to Marxist ideas or if you’re experienced in both theory and praxis, you’re welcome to join. All students, from any background, course, or year, are encouraged to join the Marxist Society.

“The Communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. They openly declare that their ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win.”

“Workers of the World, Unite!”