Marxism vs Elite Theory (Ft. Chris Cutrone)

Get access to The Backroom (100+ exclusive episodes) on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/OneDime](https://www.patreon.com/OneDime)In this episode of 1Dime Radio, I am joined by Chris Cutrone, founder of the Platypus Affiliated Society, to debate the professional-managerial class, elite theory, and whether either offers a better explanation of today’s left than Marxism. Taking Cutrone’s essay “Was Lenin PMC?” as our starting point, we clash over the 20% versus 80% framework, liberal democracy, managerialism, the role of intellectuals in socialist politics, and what Marxism is actually for in the absence of a proletarian socialist movement.In the Patreon-exclusive Backroom, we move from history into strategy: whether a viable class coalition must extend beyond the proletariat, why Marxism still matters, whether Cutrone is really as Marxist as he claims, and why most self-described Marxists have no real commitment to communism. We also turn to the Graham Platner fiasco, the culture of #MeToo, and some characteristically hot takes from Cutrone.You can listen to 1Dime Radio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get podcasts.Timestamps:0:00 The Backroom Preview: Graham Platner and #MeToo4:12 1Dime Radio Intro5:10 Marxism vs. Elite Theory13:42 The 20% vs. the 80%18:15 Is the Left Actually Left?22:50 Marxism and Liberal Democracy30:01 What Elite Theory Explains36:34 Theory, Strategy, and Practice41:03 The Synthetic Left and Family Abolition51:26 Marxism as the Critique of Socialism59:20 Intellectuals, Class, and the PMC66:15 Elite Overproduction and Academia74:16 What Is Marxism For?78:28 In What Sense Is Cutrone a Marxist?1:25:48 Join Us in The BackroomGUEST:Chris Cutrone | Founder of the Platypus Affiliated Society* Chris Cutrone’s website: [https://chriscutrone.platypus1917.org/](https://chriscutrone.platypus1917.org/)* Platypus Affiliated Society: [https://platypus1917.org/](https://platypus1917.org/)* “Was Lenin PMC?”: [https://www.sublationmag.com/post/was-lenin-pmc-how-elite-theory-doesn-t-fit-the-movement-for-socialism](https://www.sublationmag.com/post/was-lenin-pmc-how-elite-theory-doesn-t-fit-the-movement-for-socialism)FOLLOW 1Dime:* 1Dime Radio YouTube channel: [https://youtube.com/@1dimeradio](https://youtube.com/@1dimeradio)* Substack: [https://1dimereview.substack.com/](https://1dimereview.substack.com/)* X/Twitter: [https://x.com/1DimeOfficial](https://x.com/1DimeOfficial)* Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/tonyof1dime/](https://www.instagram.com/tonyof1dime/)* Main 1Dime YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@1Dimee](https://www.youtube.com/@1Dimee)Leave a like, comment, and subscribe. Give 1Dime Radio a 5-star rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.