The International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) is a prominent international organization founded in 2001 by José María Sison, the founding chairman of the (note) Communist Party of the Philippines. Headquartered in the Netherlands, it functions as a global alliance of over 350 member organizations from 45 countries, all united by a shared commitment to anti-imperialist and democratic movements. The organization's core purpose is to provide a platform for solidarity and coordinated action against what it identifies as the ideological, political, economic, and military domination of imperialism.
The ILPS's work is driven by a political ideology that is firmly rooted in Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. This framework shapes its understanding of worldwide events and its strategic objectives. Within this context, the organization defines imperialism as the most advanced stage of capitalism, where a few dominant nations control the global economy through financial institutions, military power, and the exploitation of nations in the Global South. The ILPS believes this system is inherently unequal and is the root cause of many of the world’s major crises, including poverty, environmental destruction, and armed conflicts.
Their anti-capitalist stance stems directly from this belief. They argue that the capitalist system, with its relentless pursuit of profit, leads to the exploitation of workers and the destruction of natural resources. As a result, the ILPS advocates for a radical transformation of the global system, supporting what it sees as people’s struggles for national liberation and social justice.
The ILPS translates its ideology into action through a variety of campaigns and initiatives, often in collaboration with its member organizations. A key example is the "No to APEC Coalition," a broad coalition of groups that protest against the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The coalition’s central argument is that APEC is a platform for promoting neoliberal economic policies that benefit multinational corporations at the expense of local communities and workers. At the 2023 APEC Summit in San Francisco, the coalition organized a "People’s Counter-Summit" to highlight what they see as the negative impacts of APEC's policies, including land seizures, environmental damage, and the privatization of public services.
In addition to its campaigns against economic forums, the ILPS is also actively involved in protesting against military bodies that it views as instruments of imperialist control, such as NATO and various military exercises.
The ILPS views the Israel-Hamas conflict through its anti-imperialist lens. It frames the conflict not as a simple war between two parties but as a long-standing struggle of the Palestinian people against what it describes as a colonial-settler state supported by Western imperialist powers, particularly the United States.
The organization's position is that the conflict is a direct result of historical injustices and the occupation of Palestinian land. It condemns the actions of the Israeli government and calls for an end to the occupation, which it sees as a key condition for achieving peace and justice in the region. The ILPS views Palestinian resistance as a legitimate struggle for self-determination against a powerful and oppressive force, aligning with its broader support for national liberation movements worldwide.
The ILPS's strength lies in its extensive network of member organizations, which includes national democratic organizations, trade unions, women's groups, human rights advocates, and student organizations. This diverse membership allows it to mobilize a wide range of people and resources for its campaigns. By serving as a coordinating body, the ILPS facilitates communication and cooperation among its members, enabling them to launch global campaigns and present a united front on issues of shared concern.
