Marxism POLI 381 Intro to International Relations

Question 1

Marxist Theory

Answer 1

• other theories are limited and limiting
• interpretation of capitalism understood as a mutable form of social life
• Dialectical understanding of history as being produced by humans but also humans are products of historical processes
• Structure not automatic, require human agents to continuously re-enact them therefore can be altered by them, agents (social actors) situated in structures.
• Class conflict between bourgeoisie and proletariat. emancipation of proletariat

Question 2

Marx Definition of Capitalism

Answer 2

-Form of social life, commodification proceeded to the point that human labor can be bought
-Capital: socially necessary means of production
End game is to accumulate more capital

Question 3

Vladmir Lenin

Answer 3

• Imperialism advanced process of capitalist accumulation

- Colonial expansionism driven by this

Question 4

World Systems Theory

Answer 4

• Immanuel Wallerstein,
• Lenin
• Dominant core, less developed exploited periphery, semi-periphery

Question 5

Causes of War

Answer 5

• Drive by capital accumulation
• Expansionism of monopolistic blocs of industrial/financial capital
• Inter-imperialist rivalry

Question 6

Gramscianism

Answer 6

• Strand of marxism
• Antonio Gramsci
• Power consists of both coercion and consent
• Focus on consent, allows values to be accepted by subordinates
• Claims to serve interests of all
• Capitalist historical context

Question 7

Robert Cox

Answer 7

• Theory is always for someone and for some purpose
• Realism serves those who prosper under prevailing world order
• Critical theory challenges prevailing world order and leads to emancipation
• Dominant international powers shape world order to their interests