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Marx and the Peripheries of CapitalismMonthly Review Press Classic Titles 26

William Golding

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Published in Late Marx And The Russian Road: Marx And The Peripheries Of Capitalism (Monthly Review Press Classic Titles 26)

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In his seminal work, Capital, Karl Marx laid out a comprehensive theory of capitalism. However, Marx's analysis was primarily focused on the development of capitalism in the core countries of Europe. In the decades since Marx's death, scholars have sought to apply his theories to the development of capitalism in the peripheries of the world system.

The peripheries of capitalism are typically characterized by underdevelopment, poverty, and inequality. These regions have often been subject to imperialism and colonialism, which have had a devastating impact on their economies and societies. As a result, the development of capitalism in the peripheries has taken a different path than in the core countries.

Late Marx and the Russian Road: Marx and the Peripheries of Capitalism (Monthly Review Press Classic Titles 26)

Late Marx and the Russian Road: Marx and the Peripheries of Capitalism (Monthly Review Press Classic Titles Book 26)

by Grace-Marie Turner

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This book explores the application of Marx's theories to the development of capitalism in the peripheries of the world system. The authors argue that Marx's theories can be used to explain the underdevelopment and poverty that is characteristic of these regions. They also argue that Marx's theories can be used to develop stratégies for overcoming underdevelopment and poverty.

Marx's Theory of Capitalism

Marx's theory of capitalism is based on the idea that the capitalist mode of production is a system of exploitation. In this system, the owners of capital (the capitalists) exploit the workers (the proletariat) by paying them less than the value of their labor. This exploitation creates surplus value, which is the profit that the capitalists appropriate for themselves.

Marx argued that the capitalist mode of production is a dynamic system that is constantly changing. As capitalism develops, the concentration of capital in the hands of a few capitalists increases. This leads to a decline in the rate of profit, which in turn leads to crises. These crises can only be resolved through the destruction of productive forces, which leads to unemployment and poverty.

The Peripheries of Capitalism

The peripheries of capitalism are those regions of the world that have been incorporated into the capitalist world system, but have not experienced the same level of development as the core countries. These regions are typically characterized by underdevelopment, poverty, and inequality.

There are a number of factors that contribute to underdevelopment in the peripheries of capitalism. These factors include:

Imperialism and colonialism
The unequal distribution of resources
The lack of access to capital and technology
The exploitation of labor

Imperialism and colonialism have had a devastating impact on the development of capitalism in the peripheries. These policies have led to the extraction of resources, the destruction of local economies, and the impoverishment of the population.

The unequal distribution of resources is another major factor that contributes to underdevelopment in the peripheries. The core countries have a disproportionate share of the world's resources, while the peripheries are left with little. This inequality makes it difficult for the peripheries to develop their economies.

The lack of access to capital and technology is another major obstacle to development in the peripheries. The core countries have a monopoly on capital and technology, which they use to exploit the peripheries. This makes it difficult for the peripheries to develop their own industries and economies.

The exploitation of labor is another major factor that contributes to underdevelopment in the peripheries. The capitalists in the core countries pay workers in the peripheries less than the value of their labor. This exploitation creates surplus value, which the capitalists appropriate for themselves. This surplus value is then used to invest in the development of the core countries, while the peripheries remain underdeveloped.

Marx's Theories and the Peripheries of Capitalism

Marx's theories can be used to explain the underdevelopment and poverty that is characteristic of the peripheries of capitalism. Marx's theory of exploitation shows how the capitalists in the core countries exploit the workers in the peripheries. This exploitation creates surplus value, which is the profit that the capitalists appropriate for themselves. This surplus value is then used to invest in the development of the core countries, while the peripheries remain underdeveloped.

Marx's theory of imperialism also explains how the core countries have used imperialism and colonialism to exploit the peripheries. These policies have led to the extraction of resources, the destruction of local economies, and the impoverishment of the population.

Marx's theories can also be used to develop stratégies for overcoming underdevelopment and poverty in the peripheries. These stratégies include:

Nationalization of key industries
Land reform
Investment in education and healthcare
Protection of labor rights
Regional integration

These stratégies are based on the idea that the peripheries of capitalism need to develop their own economies and societies in order to overcome underdevelopment and poverty. This can only be achieved through the transformation of the capitalist mode of production.

Marx's theories provide a powerful lens for understanding the development of capitalism in the peripheries of the world system. These theories can be used to explain the underdevelopment and poverty that is characteristic of these regions. They can also be used to develop stratégies for overcoming underdevelopment and poverty.

The peripheries of capitalism are a complex and challenging region of the world. However, Marx's theories offer a way to understand these regions and to develop stratégies for improving the lives of the people who live there.

Late Marx and the Russian Road: Marx and the Peripheries of Capitalism (Monthly Review Press Classic Titles Book 26)

by Grace-Marie Turner

4 out of 5