Variants: Neomarxism, Dependency theory, World systems theory

Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels The Communist Manifesto Claimed by # of disciplines Macro-level theory of human evolution Economic determinism Dialectical materialism Stages of development Several classes in society Industrial Revolution Only 2 classes emerge: Rich and Poor ¤ 1818-1883 1820-1895

V.I. Lenin 1870-1924 Provided basis for Soviet communist system Overthrow tsar Institute Communist Party = ‘Vanguard of the People’ Expanded Marxism to look at global rich/poor division Export capital ¤ 1870-1924

Marxism Premise Basic tenets International relations are structured and dictated by classes struggling for economic control Basic tenets Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor Are you rich or poor? Relations are based on class struggle Capitalism is the primary mode of production Relations are driven by economic factors States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor

Marxism Primary Actor(s) Motivation for Relations View on Human Nature Owners of capital Motivation for Relations Exploitative View on Human Nature Pessimistic View of Int’l System System structure perpetuates rich/poor disparities Ultimate goal in relations Amass more wealth (for wealthy) or revolution (for poor)

“The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor Relations are based on class struggle Capitalism is the primary mode of production Relations are driven by economic factors States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor

“We see, therefore, how the modern bourgeoisie is itself the product of a long course of development, of a series of revolutions in the modes of production and of exchange.” Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor Relations are based on class struggle Capitalism is the primary mode of production Relations are driven by economic factors States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor

“Each step in the development of the bourgeoisie was accompanied by a corresponding political advance in that class…The executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie .” Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor Relations are based on class struggle Capitalism is the primary mode of production Relations are driven by economic factors States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor

“…The bourgeoisie cannot exist without constantly revolutionizing the instruments of production, and thereby the relations of production, and with them the whole relations of society.” Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor Relations are based on class struggle Capitalism is the primary mode of production Relations are driven by economic factors States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor

“The need of a constantly expanding market for its products chases the bourgeoisie over the entire surface of the globe. It must nestle everywhere, settle everywhere, establish connections everywhere.” Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor Relations are based on class struggle Capitalism is the primary mode of production Relations are driven by economic factors States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor