Born on this day in 1931, the heroic revolutionary faces a dangerous new wave of White House aggression. We must treat his birthday as a rallying cry to resist the illegal siege of Cuba, writes ROGER McKENZIE
IS IT possible to recognise in the present what historians will later declare to be a moment of transition from one historical period — defined according to prevailing features in politics, economics and society — to another? Are we in such a moment now?
Periodisation of historical epochs is controversial and inexact, and traditional historians have frowned upon it. Yet economists and historians have attempted to delineate distinct periods of history.
These include Eric Hobsbawm, who wrote of the long 19th century (1789-1914), and the short 20th century (1914-1989) and economist Joseph Schumpeter, who defined the “creative destruction” theory of technological change.
If the government really wanted to address public finances, improve living standards and begin economic recovery, it would increase its borrowing for investment, argues MICHAEL BURKE
As the dollar falters and US power turns predatory, Britain and Europe must abandon transatlantic illusions and build a collectivist alternative before the system implodes, writes ALAN SIMPSON
NICK TROY lauds the young staff at a hotel chain and cinema giant who are ready to take on the bosses for their rights
Deep disillusionment with the Westminster cross-party consensus means rupture with the status quo is on the cards – bringing not only opportunities but also dangers, says NICK WRIGHT


