Twentieth Century Marxism: A Global Introduction

Description

This book outlines and assesses the Marxist tradition as it developed in the twentieth century, and considers its place and standing as we move into the twenty-first century. It is divided into three parts examining Marxism historically, geographically and thematically: Part 1 analyzes early Marxism in Russia and Europe as it developed after the death of Marx. Lenin, Trotsky, Luxemburg, Kautsky, Bernstein and the school of thought associated with them are all examined Part 2 deals with thinkers, debates and movements that followed the early Marxism focused on in part one, and includes chapters on Marxism in Europe, the Soviet Union, Africa, Asia and Latin America Part 3 is concerned with more contemporary debates in relation to Marxism and its standing and role today. The chapters in this section consider various themes including the relationship between theory and practice in Marxism, democratic procedure and liberties, Marxism as an economic critique of capitalism and Marxist methodology. Twentieth Century Marxism is not an introspective discussion of Marxism that would be of interest only to a limited number of specialists. Rather, it provides a thoughtful and stimulating contribution to debates about the role of Marxism today and its future direction.

Daryl Glaser is a Lecturer in the Department of Political Studies, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. David M. Walker teaches political theory at the University of Newcastle, UK.

This exciting introduction to global Marxism surveys the major political divisions, geographical settings, and intellectual issues that arose in the twentieth century and are now due for assessment. The contributors are both informative and perceptive, covering the full range of theories, movements and debates. The volume is particularly strong on African and Asian settings, as well as Latin America. Marx and Engels directed their message to the workers of the world, and this book does an excellent job showing how and where this message was received and pursued. Terrell Carver, Professor of Political Theory, University of Bristol, UK An excellent survey. All the contributors are acknowledged experts in their fields who write clearly and with authority. Mixing chronological, geographical and thematic approaches, this wide-ranging book is as comprehensive as could be wished. David McLellan, Professor of Political Theory, Goldsmiths College, University of London. This is a very well conceived and well balanced collection, produced by authors who are all experts in the areas on which they write. The various contributions cover the major geographical areas in which versions of Marxism were developed. The main controversies of the century are well represented, together with some intelligent discussion of the possibilities of Marxism in the 21st-century. The writing is simple enough for the reader with no great knowledge of Marxism to follow, but the various chapters have nonetheless a great deal to offer the expert reader. Dr Mark Cowling, Reader in Criminology, University of Teesside. Convener, Political Studies Association Marxism Specialist Group, Editor, "Studies in Marxism."