They are more or less sharp _differences of opinion_. They are not in any politically significant sense _divisions_. There is no set terminology here, probably because there is no very strong tradition of theory and practice around ruling-class unity/division. And I think there is a reason for that: divisions in the ruling class occur only under heavy pressure from the working-class. Divisions on the international level, such as those that led to the world wars, are another thing. I don't think the latter have permanently disappeared -- i.e. I don't believe in the theory of "super imperialism" or Hardt/Negri's "Empire," but that is still a pretty vague area.
I think predicting the outcome (prognosis) of such differences of opinion on policy among the ruling class lies in the area of contingency and crystal-ball gazing. As Mao said, Marxists have no crystal ball. Carrol Hari Kumar wrote: > > I have probably missed this due to recent absence, but what do list > members think re the apparent divisions in the ruling class regarding > assulting Iraq? > i) Are these real divisions - or merely 'willpower'? Or do they > represent mroe objective capitalist class divisions? > ii) If the latter - What do they represent? > iii) What prognosis is there for either wing? > Thx, Hari
