Marxist theories of IR Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the main unit of analysis in Marxism?
Class
According to Marx, what is inevitable in capitalism?
Revolution
Who are the two main classes in the power dynamic of Marxism?
Capitalist class (Bourgeoisie) + Workers (Proletariat)
What do capitalists own and how do they exploit workers?
Own capital + exploit workers who sell their labour for wages
What drives the inevitable crises of capitalism according to Marx?
Exploitation + alienation of labour
What does the Communist Manifesto (1848) highlight about social relations?
Unequal, exploitative social relations
What ideology does Liberalism represent in the context of capitalism?
Capitalism ideology + ruling class power
How do workers relate to the final product in a capitalist system?
Divorced from the final product, have little stake in it
What is the consequence of workers no longer controlling the production process?
They do not understand it + issue of eliminating labour for greater profits
What impact do neo-liberal policies have on poor countries?
Spending less on health + education, spending on imports
What is historical materialism?
Class struggle = driving force of history, shaping social + political systems
What is the effect of capitalism on modern borders and migration?
Construction of modern borders, migrants suffer
In Neo-Marxism, what is necessary for emancipation from unjust class systems?
Revolution
What does Wallerstein’s theory of inequality focus on?
Structure of world economy
What are the three types of countries in World Systems Theory?
Core, periphery + semi-periphery countries
What flows from periphery to core countries?
Wealth + resources
What is a critique of World Systems Theory?
Economic determinism, ignoring internal factors like governance, culture + innovation
What does Critical Marxism emphasize according to Gramsci?
Emancipation from hegemonic ideas like free trade + TINA
What is the relationship between capitalist expansion and development?
Maintains relations, need revolutionary change for development
What is the environmental impact of unchecked market forces?
Damaging environment + resource exploitation
What is the primary culprit for global environmental degradation according to Marxism?
Global capitalism
What is a noted issue with the deterministic view of capitalism?
Contains seeds of its own destruction
What historical events challenge the idea of inevitable revolution?
Collapse of Eastern Bloc, post GFC
What has been the outcome for East Asian states in global markets?
Succeeded through global markets
