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Development and underdevelopment are the main determinants of life-chances worldwide, arguably more so than social class. Marxism, as the underlying theory for social revolution, needs to have a clear understanding of the dynamics of development and social progress. Exploring the intersection of Marxism and development, this book looks at Marx's original conception of capitalist development and his later engagement with under-developed Russia. The author also reviews Lenin's early critique of the Russian populists' rejection of capitalism compared with his later analysis of imperialism as a brake on development in the non-European world. The book then considers Rosa Luxemburg, who arguably provides a bridge between these theorists and those that follow with her analysis of imperialism as a necessity for capitalism to incorporate non-capitalist lands. Turning then to the non-European world, the author examines the Latin American dependency theories, the post-development school and the recent indigenous development theories advanced by Andean Marxism. Finally, Munck addresses the relationship between globalization and development. Does this relationship suggest that it has not been capitalism but a lack of capitalism that has led to under-development?
List of contents
Definitions and Dilemmas.- Chapter 2. Marx and Capitalism.- Chapter 3. Marx and Underdevelopment.- Chapter 4. Lenin and Development.- Chapter 5. Lenin and Imperialism.- Chapter 6. Luxemburg and Global Development.- Chapter 7. Dependent Development.- Chapter 8. Post-Development.- Chapter 9. Indigenous Development.- Chapter 10. Globalisation and Development.
About the author
Ronaldo Munck is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Engaged Research at Dublin City University and holds visiting posts in Argentina, Ecuador, Canada and Germany.
Report
"Rethinking Development: Marxist Perspectives is certainly a must-read for someone who seeks to understand the complex intertwining of Marxism with the development discourse and explore unorthodox and non-Eurocentric approaches. Furthermore, this book directly engages with political practice, suggesting that Marxism should intermingle with concepts from the Global South to face neoliberalism from a global perspective and avoid determinism and Eurocentrism." (Andrea Taborri, Capital & Class, Vol. 47 (2), June, 2023)
