Meaning: The quote "There has been hardly a single year since 1917, and in a certain sense since 1905, without a revolution somewhere in the world in which the workers participated in a rather important way" by Ernest Mandel, reflects the turbulent and revolutionary nature of the 20th century. It captures the widespread and enduring influence of revolutionary movements involving the participation of workers across the globe. Ernest Mandel, a Marxist economist and revolutionary socialist, was known for his analysis of historical and contemporary revolutionary movements, and this quote encapsulates his perspective on the persistent struggle for social and economic change.

The period from 1905 to 1917 was marked by significant revolutionary activity, particularly in Russia. The Russian Revolution of 1905, also known as the First Russian Revolution, was a wave of mass political and social unrest that spread across the Russian Empire. It was a precursor to the larger and more consequential Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the eventual establishment of the Soviet Union. These revolutions were deeply intertwined with the aspirations and actions of the working class, as they sought to challenge oppressive systems and assert their rights and agency.

Mandel's assertion that there has been "hardly a single year" without a revolution since 1917 underscores the ongoing struggle for social and political change in the 20th century. The global context of this statement is crucial, as it highlights the widespread nature of revolutionary movements and the enduring role of workers in these upheavals. Throughout the 20th century, various countries and regions experienced revolutions, uprisings, and social movements that sought to challenge colonialism, imperialism, and capitalist exploitation.

The involvement of workers in these revolutionary movements was a central and recurring theme. The labor movements of the 20th century played a pivotal role in advocating for workers' rights, better working conditions, and broader societal change. From the rise of trade unions and the fight for labor rights to participation in anti-colonial struggles and revolutionary upheavals, workers were often at the forefront of transformative movements seeking to challenge entrenched power structures.

Mandel's focus on the participation of workers in "a rather important way" emphasizes the agency and impact of the working class in revolutionary developments. This perspective aligns with Marxist analysis, which emphasizes the central role of the working class in historical and contemporary struggles for social change. Mandel's quote underscores the enduring significance of workers' participation in revolutionary movements, highlighting their agency and the transformative potential of collective action.

The quote also invites consideration of the diverse forms that revolutions took throughout the 20th century. From anti-colonial struggles in Africa and Asia to socialist revolutions in Latin America and Eastern Europe, the 20th century was marked by a wide array of revolutionary movements that sought to challenge existing power structures and create new social orders. The involvement of workers in these movements varied in its forms and expressions, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of revolutionary activity.

In conclusion, Ernest Mandel's quote encapsulates the enduring and global nature of revolutionary movements in the 20th century, emphasizing the central role of workers in these transformative struggles. By highlighting the persistent and widespread nature of revolutionary activity, Mandel's words invite reflection on the complex, diverse, and interconnected history of revolutionary movements. This quote serves as a reminder of the ongoing quest for social and economic justice and the pivotal role of the working class in shaping the course of history.