Chapter 6: Global revolutionary thought: Marx, Hegel, Haiti Flashcards
Global revolutionary thought: Marx, Hegel, Haiti
What are Marx’s key contributions to the theory of international politics?
Marx’s key contributions to international politics include the concept of class struggle as the driving force of history, the view of capitalism as an international system focused on profit maximization, and the idea that proletarian interests transcend national borders, aiming to overthrow capitalism and its inherent inequalities.
How did Marx’s views on colonialism evolve over time?
Marx’s early views on colonialism were unilinear and ethnocentric, suggesting that non-Western societies would be absorbed into capitalism and modernized through colonialism. Later, he adopted a multilinear perspective, recognizing alternative, non-Western paths to development and the destructive impact of colonialism. (Anderson 2010)
How did the Haitian Revolution influence Hegel’s philosophy according to Buck-Morss (2009)?
The Haitian Revolution, which culminated in Haiti’s independence in 1804, is believed to have influenced Hegel’s master-slave dialectic in “Phenomenology of Spirit.” Hegel’s dialectic of freedom may have been inspired by the real-life struggle between slaves and slave owners in Haiti, challenging the Eurocentric narrative of history and contributing to a more universal understanding of freedom.
Compare and contrast the philosophies of history according to Kant and Marx.
Kant’s philosophy of history is characterized by a belief in progress towards greater rationality, peace, and freedom, often seen through a Eurocentric lens. Marx, on the other hand, views history through the lens of class struggle, with economic factors and the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat driving societal change, leading to a future communist society.
Discuss C.L.R. James’s (2001) statement that “Long before Karl Marx wrote ‘Workers of the world, Unite!’, the revolution was international.”
C.L.R. James suggests that revolutionary sentiments and actions were inherently international in scope, predating Marx’s call for proletarian solidarity across national lines. This highlights the historical context of revolutions that were not confined by state boundaries, challenging the notion that international revolutionary movements began with Marx.
To what extent is international politics structured by capitalism rather than anarchy?
According to Marxists, international politics is primarily structured by capitalism, as the global capitalist system influences state behaviour, economic relations, and class dynamics. This contrasts with the realist view that international politics is structured by anarchy, where states are the primary actors in a self-help system.
What is at stake in retrieving the Haitian roots of universal history?
Retrieving the Haitian roots of universal history challenges the Eurocentric narrative by recognising the significant role of non-European actors in shaping the Enlightenment’s ideals of freedom and progress. It acknowledges the influence of anti-colonial struggles like the Haitian Revolution on European thought and reclaims a more inclusive and accurate account of historical development.
What is Buck-Morss (2000) main argument?
there is a paradox between the discourse of freedom and the practice of slavery, particularly in relation to the writings of Hegel and Rousseau. The document highlights how Enlightenment philosophers, such as Rousseau, condemned slavery in theory but ignored its practice, as exemplified by the French legal code, Le Code Noir. Additionally, the document discusses Hegel’s dialectic of lordship and bondage and its implications for the concept of freedom, particularly in the context of the Haitian Revolution. The argument also addresses the historical and philosophical significance of the relationship between Hegel’s ideas and the reality of slavery in Western nations.
