1. Variants: Neomarxism, Dependency theory, World systems theory

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. “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

7. “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

8. “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

9. “…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

10. “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