An Analysis of the Failure of Class Politics to Transcend Ethnopolitics in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract

The question of nations and ethnicity has always been a matter of serious discussion among Marxist circles. Marxist groups are divided on the role of nationalism in the context of a socialist revolution. Several Marxists hold an absolute position, contending that a national struggle is unnecessary for a revolution and that national politics never serve Marxist goals. They believe that Marxism brings people together and unites them beyond borders and national identities. In contrast, some Marxists argue that nationalism is a fundamental and necessary component in class conflict. The left-wing parties of Sindh are influenced by Marxists, who argue that ethno-national politics, rather than class struggle, is the appropriate strategy to challenge oppression and domination in Sindh. These parties hope that ethno-national politics will develop and mature, ultimately uniting the masses against the feudal and capitalist classes. This paper demonstrates that the leftist parties joined mainstream ethno-national parties on the belief that they would use their resources and support to mobilize the masses in Sindh. However, the leftist parties ended up being used by the stronger parties to achieve their goals. Leftist parties eventually synchronized with ethno-national parties without roots in the population and failed to transcend ethno-national politics in Sindh.

        Keywords: ethnonationalism, left, politics, Marxism, Sindh.