Importance Of Marxism

Although Karl Marx first composed the concept of Marxism centuries ago, his beliefs on class struggle and the economy are still applicable to politics across the world. Through critically evaluating the Marxist approach to international relations, I have realised that Marxism remains relevant in regard to the economic and political struggle we see so frequently in societies today. This is particularly evident when examining neo-Marxist theoretical approaches. The Dependency Theory is a prime example of this as it is an extension from Marxism, and a useful tool in explaining the inequalities between states today. To show the relevance of neo-Marxist ideas, the first section of this essay will provide historical context for Marxism and its early …show more content…
However I soon realised that, although Marxism may not directly apply to international relations in the present-day, the evolution, of Marxism is ileminable. The first progression of Marxism towards a more successful analysis of the world system was the work of Lenin. Lenin applied Marx’s view of industrialism and capitalism in Europe to a larger-scale analysis of conflict and capitalist expansion. Lenin believed that increasing colonial expansion would advance exploitation and conflict between imperialist powers. Lenin was first to highlight dependency between colonies and their greater powers, a notion which remains relevant in international relations through neo-Marxism. Marx’s belief that capitalism would collapse was contested by Lenin, as he explained capitalism would expand as it sought labour, new markets, and resources. Instead of initiating a revolution like Marx predicted, the working class accepted bourgeois values. Lenin suggested the collapse needed force, thus advocated the idea of revolutionary communism. The “Marxism-Leninism” movement strives for an international communist society, opposing imperialism and colonisation. Marxism-Leninism was first seen when Joseph Stalin urged a transition from capitalism to socialism in the Soviet Union in the 1920’s. These ideas are evident today in countries like China, which is officially …show more content…
When applied to the current situation in the world, neo-Marxism explains the struggle between classes and of the economy. Marx believed the economy drives human development; how things are produced and traded defines human society. Neo-Marxist approaches effectively enable these ideas to be applied to the world system. During the 1960s and 1970s economic instability increased and former colonial states faced new problems, causing Marxist ideas to become more relevant. The relationship between international economics and international relations became a major point of interest among International Relations scholars. The idea that international relations are unequal because the capitalist countries exploit the poor is evident through the Dependency Theory. Emerging in 1960s Latin America, the theory divides the world into the ‘core’ and the ‘periphery’. The core states provide capital and technical expertise, and determine trade rules. They are wealthy and powerful, whereas periphery states are poorer and are the core’s sources of labour and raw materials. The core states control the periphery states through economic manipulation, and force if necessary. Thus, mutual dependence is required between the two. The Dependency Theory conveys that Marxism is still relevant, as it contrives important notions from Marxism