This is not a manifesto, nor a mission statement – it is an invitation.

Who are we?

‘Political Critique in London’ is a diverse collective, consisting of people who above all share a belief in the concept of intelligentsia, an ethos which requires us to recognise our civic responsibilities, actively participate in social life/public debate and employ our skills and talents for the benefit of all.

‘Political Critique’ was founded at the start of our century in Poland and, having rapidly developed a very broad following and transformed socio-political debate in its native land, has now opened its first London branch. Despite its Polish origins, we believe that ‘Political Critique’ can be a platform for all people, regardless of nationality or origin. That is not because we feel that geographical or cultural differences are insignificant – on the contrary, we believe that in the modern world only a movement which sees and appreciates diversity and thrives on difference can be successful.

What is our credo?

In the bluntest terms possible, we believe that pluralism, equality and community are vital values and need to be defended, especially today. We see a rise of authoritarian rhetoric in politics, ever-growing economic inequalities and an expansion of highly individualised consumerist culture, all of which worry us profoundly. We believe in the importance of economics, but do not support the idea of economic reductionism. We simply think that there can be no proper understanding of the economics of power without an appreciation of the power of economics.

However great the exploitation, poverty and shallowness of our contemporary world, we still trust in the power of the people to turn the status quo around. We are living in times of a great interregnum. Before our very eyes a new order is being brought to life, yet our threadbare tongue doesn’t fully allow us to take a conscious and effective part in this process. We need a new language through which we can express our passions and through which we could understand each other. This is the primary aim of ‘Political Critique in London’, to act in the sphere of metapolitics, endeavouring to change the dominant discourse and create a new climate in the public domain.

How do we work?

We work in three main fields: education, the arts and science, which we perceive as essentially unified, differing only in their means of expression. We write, translate and publish. We organise discussions, seminars and workshops. We host lectures, debates and film screenings.  And most importantly, we connect people who share a similar ethos and values.

Every new member of the team brings with them unique perspectives, experience and knowledge. United by a common cause, while treasuring the atmosphere of intellectual dissent and constructive rebellion, we invite you to join us.