Intersectional Imperialism: the Case for Decolonial Marxism
As the contradictions of global capitalism deepen, more and more people across the political spectrum are beginning to question the liberal world order. From ongoing genocides to housing crises, rising fascism, crushing student debt, highest rate of homelessness, and climate collapse—liberalism has offered no real solutions, only corporate slogans, identity-based window dressing, and neoliberal anti-racism that ignores material conditions. This panel will critically examine how Western liberalism has co-opted the language of anti-racism and decolonisation—using Diversity & Inclusion, DEI policies, and representational politics to shield empire, suppress solidarity, and maintain capitalist and imperialist domination.
During the event we dicuss: what comes after the failure of liberalism & liberal democracy? How do we move from identity reductionism to revolutionary class politics? How do we build bridges between the white working class and racialised communities to fight capitalism and white supremacy together? And how do we confront the betrayal of the Global South by neoliberal elites—both white and non-white—who speak the language of justice while upholding systems of violence? Join us as we unpack these contradictions and make the case for a new, decolonial Marxist politics rooted in internationalism, class consciousness, and radical solidarity.
Together with Chris de Ploeg Shaka Nigerian-American spoken word artist who focusses on decolonisation, BIPOC liberation, socialism, and resistance against imperialism. Sorab Roustayar Curator, organizer, projectleider, programmamaker & oprichter Fite Qlub Grâce Ndjako Filosoof en politicoloog, onderwijsassistent niet-Westerse filosofie aan de UvA.About the programme
During this event we’ll dicuss: what comes after the failure of liberalism and liberal democracy? How do we move from identity reductionism to revolutionary class politics? How do we build bridges between the white working class and racialised communities to fight capitalism and white supremacy together? And how do we confront the betrayal of the Global South by neoliberal elites—both white and non-white—who speak the language of justice while upholding systems of violence? Join us as we unpack these contradictions and make the case for a new, decolonial Marxist politics rooted in internationalism, class consciousness and radical solidarity.
About the speakers
Rafel (34) is founder of Radio Kookpunt, an upcoming independent leftist media platform, making a weekly news show, interviews and deep dives. It offers the leftist content that the Netherlands so urgently needs. It is 100% funded by donations from viewers. They are ambitious to become an indispensable voice in the Dutch media landscape.
Grâce Ndjako is a philosopher, author and translator. She studied Political Science and Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam and the Sorbonne in Paris. She writes for various Dutch publications such as Dipsaus Podcast, de Nederlandse Boekengids, Hard//Hoofd, de Witte Raaf and De Internet Gids. She translated Aimé Césaire’s ‘Discours sur le colonialisme’ and the poems of Nele Marian from French to Dutch. She is currently working on her PhD in Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam.
Shaka is a Marxist spoken word artist, writer, and community organiser. His work is rooted in anti-imperialist, anti-capitalist politics and draws from Black and decolonial Marxist traditions. Through poetry, panel discussions, and grassroots organising, Shaka confronts liberal co-optation and calls for a revolutionary politics grounded in class struggle, internationalism, and radical solidarity.
Chris is an investigative journalist, grassroots organiser, speaker, moderator, multi-instrumentalist, spoken word artist and author of Ukraine in the Crossfire and De Grote Koloniale Oorlog. He is also co-founder of Aralez, a grassroots organisation for Decolonisation and reparations.
Sorab Roustayar : is a community builder, curator, program maker , projectleader and founder of Fite Qlub a BIPOC Trans & Queer, decolonial intersectional multidisciplinary platform that is also outspoken against pink washing and has been an organizer an organizer at dutch Labour union FNV.
