Marxism(s) in World Politics

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of English

Teaching Methods

Classes with a more pronounced emphasis on exposition are combined with classes of a more practical nature that have the objective of critically discussing key texts. Support material, such as images and short clips of films/documentaries, will be used to consolidate knowledge regarding the several historical/political contexts that will be discussed, as well as to promote debate. Continuous emphasis throughout all classes will be made on the development of critical debate and analysis skills. 

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit discusses how the work of Marx, Engels and other Marxist authors informs the analysis of international relations, the state, capitalism and modernity, as well as issues of imperialism, colonialism, gender, race and ecology. Rather than adopting a purely theoretical approach, it explores these debates in their historical context and analyses how they shape contemporary world politics. On successfully completion, students are expected to understand the main Marxist ideas and key texts in what regards the various themes under discussion; to understand the influence of different strands of Marxism in world politics since the 19th century; to understand their main criticisms and shortcomings; to use Marxism as a tool of analysis of contemporary world politics. The curricular unit promotes the development of oral and written skills of analysis and research and of interpersonal competencies at the level of critical debate and analysis. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction

Part 1 – The materialist conception of history

1. Labour, production and nature

2. Alienation

3. Class struggles

4. The state

5. Capitalism and imperialism

6. Revolution and socialism

Part 2 – Class struggles in world politics

1. The Internationals

2. The Russian revolution

3. The German and Chinese revolutions

4. The historical defeat of ‘scientific socialism’

Part 3 – Counter-revolution, totalitarianism and ‘socialism from above’

1. USSR

   1.1. ‘Socialism in one country’

   1.2. Civilising offensives, authoritarianism and modernity in the USSR

   1.3. Class struggles in the USSR and beyond

2. People’s Republic of China

   2.1. ‘Marxism with Chinese characteristics’

   2.2. Civilising offensives, authoritarianism and modernity in China

   2.3. Class struggles in China and beyond

Parte IV – ‘Socialism from below’?

Conclusão

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Periodic or by final exam as given in the course information: 100.0%

Bibliography

David McLellan [ed.] (2000) Karl Marx: Selected writings. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

 

Domenico Losurdo (2016) Class Struggle: A political and philosophical history. London: Palgrave Macmillan

 

John Bellamy Foster (2000) Marx’s Ecology: Materialism and nature. New York: Monthly Review Press.

 

Shlomo Avineri (1968) The social and political thought of Karl Marx. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

 

Sean Sayers (1998) Marxism and human nature. London: Routledge.

 

Paul Blackedge (2012) Marxism and ethics: Freedom, desire and revolution. New York: State University of New York Press.

 

Hal Draper (1966) ‘The two souls of socialism’, New Politics, 5(1), pp. 57-84.

 

Raya Dunayevskaya (2013) Marxism and freedom from 1776 until today. New Delhi: Aakar Books.