Theorizing the Transition

Abstract

It is the function of alternative social scientists to formulate the axes of the ongoing political struggle, and to indicate to political activists and popular organizations the direction of progressive action. Here, the relevant options are necessarily a function of the properties of the concrete situation--e.g., the level of political consciousness and organization of the basic masses, the level of cohesion of the dominant classes, and the strength and level of interest shown by the external forces. In the present democratic conjuncture in the Philippines, it may be argued that the battle lines are currently drawn on a number of crucial political, social and economic issues. The nature of the polarization leaves no doubt that maximalist demands are out of the question for the moment.