Marxism

Question 1

What is Marxism?

Answer 1

Marxism is a socio-political and economic theory, grounded in the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, that analyzes society through the lens of historical materialism, class struggle, and the critique of capitalism.

Question 2

Marxism Key Figures

Answer 2

Marx, Engels, Lenin, Wallerstein.

Question 3

Marxism Key Concepts

Answer 3

Capitalism, imperialism, class struggle.

Question 4

Marxism Core Assumptions

Answer 4

Marxism views international relations through the lens of economic structures and class struggle. It argues that global politics is shaped by the pursuit of economic interests and the perpetuation of capitalist systems.

Question 5

Developments

Answer 5

• Mid-19th Century – Karl Marx ravages history…
• 1910-20 – Sedimentation of a M IRT around anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism
• 1930-40 – consistent presence of anti-fascism and anti-Nazism
• 1950-60 – presence of anti-colonialism
• 1980 – emergence of alternative/reflectivist theories (Post-Marxism)
• 1989 – initial shock of the fall of Communism, then relaunch (NeoMarxism)
• > 2008 – re-energized because of the world economic crisis

Question 6

The Bases of Marxism

Answer 6

• Karl Marx: nation-state = institution of the supra-structure, must
  disappear
• Post-nationalism inherent to the Marxian demarche

Question 7

Classifications:

Answer 7

1. Structuralism
2. Gramscianism
3. Critical Theory
4. Neo-Marxism

Question 7

Structuralism

Answer 7

Structuralism, within the context of Marxism, refers to a theoretical approach that focuses on the underlying structures and systems that shape social, economic, and political relations. This perspective analyzes society by examining the structural elements and relationships that contribute to the functioning of the larger system.

Question 8

Gramscianism

Answer 8

Gramscianism refers to the intellectual legacy and theoretical contributions of Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist philosopher and political theorist. Antonio Gramsci’s work has had a profound impact on the understanding of political and cultural dynamics, particularly within the realm of Marxism.

Question 9

Critical Theory

Answer 9

Critical Theory is a philosophical and intellectual tradition that emerged from the Frankfurt School, a group of intellectuals associated with the Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt, Germany, during the early to mid-20th century. Critical Theory is characterized by a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from sociology, philosophy, cultural studies, and other disciplines.

Question 10

Neo-Marxism

Answer 10

Neo-Marxism refers to a diverse range of theoretical perspectives that have emerged as adaptations or critiques of classical Marxism. While maintaining some foundational Marxist concepts, neo-Marxism incorporates new ideas and insights, often addressing perceived shortcomings in traditional Marxist theory

Question 11

Characteristics of Neo-Marxism

Answer 11

1.Emphasis on Cultural and Ideological Factors:

Neo-Marxism often places a greater emphasis on cultural and ideological factors compared to classical Marxism. Scholars within the neo-Marxist tradition explore how cultural norms, beliefs, and ideologies intersect with economic structures to shape social relations and inequalities.

2.Diverse Theoretical Approaches:

Neo-Marxism encompasses a diverse range of theoretical approaches, drawing from various intellectual currents and adapting Marxist principles to address perceived shortcomings in classical Marxist theory. Strands of Neo-Marxism include Gramscianism, Althusserianism, feminist Marxism, postcolonial Marxism, and others, reflecting a broad intellectual landscape.

3.Critical Engagement with Economic Determinism:

Neo-Marxists often critically engage with the economic determinism associated with classical Marxism. They explore how social, political, and cultural factors interact with economic structures, recognizing the complexity of social reality and the need for a more nuanced analysis of power relations.

Question 12

The Perspectives of Marxism

Answer 12

• After 1990, M had the chance to decouple from USSR + satellites
• Mid 2000s, reafirmation under the circumstances of crisis:
• Critique of inequalities
• Critique of the world financial system, responsible for the crises
• General critique of the world neo-liberal order and the mobilization
  vs. the ‘dictatorship’ of the multinational companies (e.g. the precariousness of the working conditions via delocalization)
• Critique of wars for resources (e.g. ISIS analysed as an economic rather than identity-based or religious-based phenomenon)