All In for Revolution

In a stark example of "optimism of the will" (a Gramscian term), a group called Climaximo has published a book titled All In: A Revolutionary Theory to Stop Climate Collapse. True to its title, the program they put forward does not mess around with the usual "non-reformist reforms" nor mitigation, much less adaptation strategies.No.They go straight to the crux of the bisquit, stating clearly that there isn't time for tinkering around the edges and anything less than replacing capitalism will fail to save us. This truth is glaringly obvious, necessary and impossible, leaving us torn between hope and "pessimism of the intellect". Even the term "all in" challenges our post-post-modern sensiblities, our jaded cynicism and claims on capitalist realism. Who goes "all in" in these times of grim grotesqueries and moronic masquerades? Immersed in the farcicle, we cringe with embarrassment at the true believers... We know perfectly well but act as if we don't in order to protect ourselves from further trauma. And yet the case for revolution now is incredibly evident. Every plea for working from "inside the system" is laughably hollow as every "progressive" reform is demolished with reactionary glee. The authors recognize these social frictions to be part of the "State of Emergency", along with ecological collapse. It is noteworthy that they look to Naomi Klein's seminal work, This Changes Everything, as a founding document. Everything means everything, and yes, the ruling class also noticed that book. Hence, the prolonged, all out attack on all things Marx, Left, Woke or sustainable. Or Just. Where All In falters, in terms of theory, is the place where so much modern theory falters; trying to identify the revolutionary agent. Based in a Marxian understanding of class, they turn to the forces of production and find an uncooperative subject. Why don't they recognize their exploitation? Why don't they have a sense of class belonging? Why is alienation expressed in reactionary complicity and a hegemonic consent? Climaximo admits to this failure to link up with labor and build the solidarity Leftists find so crucial to success. I admire their willingness to admit failure and re-evaluate theory based on experience. And I admire their tenacity in the face of daunting odds, this optimism of the will.I wonder if they might consider the ecological class? Fortunately, Climaximo's praxis demonstrates an ability to foment radical change without perfect class alignment. They count as a success "normalizing civil disobedience in Portugal", a tactic I believe is critical for building the anti-capitalist, climate justice movement. Who knows if it can hapem in time. But you have to admire the spirit guiding the effort. Perhaps if we are All In?