International Socialist Organization

The International Socialist Organization or ISO is a socialist organization in the United States. It has a chapter at Columbia that is recognized by the Activities Board at Columbia.

National organization

The national ISO identifies with the politics of International Socialism and the Marxist political tradition that American socialist writer and activist Hal Draper called "socialism from below". It is based in Chicago and has branches in 37 United States cities, mostly on university campuses.

Ideology

The ISO essentially believes that the government of the United States must be overthrown and socialism established through a violent revolution. Violent revolution will apparently occur when the majority of the people get fed up with the oppression capitalism subjects them to. This majority will move to overthrow the ruling class, and the ruling class will fight back. It will be necessary for the long-suffering majority to take up arms in its own defense. The ISO expects it will be supported by the armed forces because "the vast majority of the army is working class".

Activities

The ISO is believed to receive over $1,500 every year from the ABC. At one point it had 100 members in New York, but its membership has been on the decline. Monthly dues are apparently $20 or "whatever you can pay". The ISO ironically turns capitalistic profits by selling newspapers on campus, including the Socialist Worker, the Obrero Socialista, and the International Socialist Review.

Student opinions of the ISO

The ISO has been described as "an effete Marxist-Leninist-Trotskyist" political club. It is considered somewhat of an outcast. In The Fed several years ago, students described it as "crazy", "a total cult", and "a terrorist cell". Its members are only usually popular among the more left-wing people and groups on campus.