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By distinguishing between classical Marxist and neo-Marxist approaches to imperialism, this volume challenges generally accepted views on the relationship between these two branches of Marxist thought, reaffirming the principles and tools of fundamental Marxism as essential for understanding and explaining the internationalization of capitalist economic life. Together, original source materials and Polychroniou's highly readable analysis present a commentary both outlining and clarifying essential ideas contained in Marxist writings from the late 19th century to the present. Marxist Perspectives on Imperialism also identifies current political and economic issues to which authentic Marxist concepts can be applied.
A review of Marx's views on capitalist production relations and expansion opens the discussion and defines criteria for evaluating analyses which follow. Studies by classical Marxists such as Hilferding, Bukharin, and Lenin are then contrasted to the neo-Marxist writings of Baran, Frank, and Wallerstein, among others. Polychroniou's defense of orthodox Marxism strengthens as he turns his attention to the practical uses of Marxist ideology to topics of international concern. His conclusions clarify a complex topic and provide political economists, sociologists, and political scientists with a clear explanation of the theoretical and methodological contours of Marxist thought on capitalist imperialism.
List of contents
Preface
Introduction
Marxian Political Economy: Methodological and Theoretical FoundationsHistorical Materialism
The Analysis of the Capitalist Mode of Production
Dynamics and Contradictions in the Accumulation Process
Marx on Imperialism
Classical Marxist Theories of ImperialismHobson
Hilferding
Luxemburg
Bukharin
Lenin
Neo-Marxist Interpretations of Imperialism and UnderdevelopmentBaran: The Theory of Monopoly Capitalism
Baran on Economic Backwardness
Frank's Theory on Capitalism and Underdevelopment
Wallerstein and the World-Systems Theory
Emmanuel: The Theory of Unequal Exchange
Amin: The Theory of Specialization and Unequal Development
New Developments and Directions in the Marxist Theories of ImperialismWarren's Theses
The Modes of Production Approach
The Theory of the Internationalization of Capital
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
About the author
CHRONIS POLYCHRONIOU is currently an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. Currently Polychroniou is working on his next book, which deals with the international political history of Marxism and the future of socialism.
