Marxism Overview and Key Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is a core assumption of Statism in Marxism?

Survival (correct)

Social construction

Interdependence

International organizations

How does Marxism view the international system?

In constant flux without order

A self-regulating economic system

As a marketplace of ideas

Anarchy, more or less stable order (correct)

What do constructivists emphasize about international relations?

Security dilemmas

Social construction of ideas (correct)

Power dynamics

Realpolitik strategies

Which sub-school is associated with balance of power in realism?

Classical realists Signup and view all the answers

What represents a major deviation from the security dilemma in realist theories?

Collective security agreements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a view of the state in Marxism?

Dependent on domestic institutions Signup and view all the answers

What do neorealists focus on in their analysis of international relations?

Power dynamics and alliances Signup and view all the answers

Which theory in liberalism promotes the idea of democratic peace?

Liberal internationalism Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of the COVID vaccine distribution disparity?

Deepened inequality between rich and poor Signup and view all the answers

Which political theory questions the role of class inequality in the economy?

Marxism Signup and view all the answers

What historical event marked the onset of a global economic crisis in 1857?

The fall of the Ohio Life Insurance & Trust Company Signup and view all the answers

In what way can vaccine equity be viewed in the context of global governance?

A test of cooperation but resulted in competition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key assumption of Marxism?

Class struggle is the main driver of historical change Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'internal vaccine inequities' relate to broader issues?

It highlights disparities even in developed nations Signup and view all the answers

What was the response to the 1857 economic crisis by theorists of the time?

They described it as a feature of global capitalism Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the philosophers have only interpreted the world' imply regarding Marxism?

Action is important, not just theoretical interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the relationship between modes and relations of production and the political sphere?

Base-Superstructure model Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist is associated with an analysis of imperialism from a Marxist perspective?

Lenin Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the primary driver of international relations according to Marxist theory?

Economic processes Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist theory, what role does the state play in the context of social classes?

The state is an executing agent of capitalist elites. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts suggests that social classes are the main actors in international relations?

Historical materialism Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'geopolitical deficiency' refer to in the context of Marx and Engels' writings?

The failure to recognize economic factors in geopolitics Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT play a role in the Marxist interpretation of international relations?

Cultural exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes that international processes can transcend state borders?

Dependency theory Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons for the existence of institutions like the IMF and the World Bank?

To maintain stable political and economic relations between independent states Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a consequence of weaker countries belonging to global institutions?

Curbed freedom due to imposed regulations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a limitation of Marxism in International Relations?

It emphasizes the role of ideology in shaping political spheres Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is a core assumption of Marxism in the context of International Relations?

The shaping of politics primarily by economic forces Signup and view all the answers

Which concept suggests that countries are dependent on the core for their economic growth?

World system theory Signup and view all the answers

How does globalization relate to the increasing inequalities highlighted by thinkers like Piketty?

It furthers the gap between the wealthy and the poor Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the idea that the political sphere can be influenced by economic class interests?

Economic determinism Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant challenge to the Marxist perspective in International Relations?

It often oversimplifies the complex roles of politics and ideology Signup and view all the answers

What was considered a driving force behind the colonial expansion during the era of imperialism?

Raw material acquisition and cheap labor Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'law of uneven development' refer to in the context of capitalist accumulation?

The differing rates of development across nations Signup and view all the answers

What role did the state play in supporting the bourgeoisie according to the expansion of globalizing capitalism?

It intervened to aid their economic interests. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Latin American Dependency school propose about the relationship between the Core and the Periphery?

Development in the Periphery is dependent on the Core. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts was developed in the context of Gramscianism?

A subtle form of political power relying on consent. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main causes of conflict as suggested by Lenin's views on imperialism?

Inter-imperialistic rivalry Signup and view all the answers

How does Wallerstein's World Systems Theory categorize nations?

As Core, Periphery, and Semi-periphery Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor leading to the emergence of new markets according to Hobson's theories?

Increasing overproduction and underconsumption. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the term 'global hegemony' imply in a modern context?

An ideological consensus among diverse elite groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the global distribution of means of production on state behavior?

It creates opportunities for some states while constraining others. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marxism - A Summary

Historical Origins of Marxism: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels investigated the global economic crisis of 1857, a pivotal moment in the development of Marxism. This crisis highlighted the interconnectedness of the global capitalist system and its inherent instability.
Early Applications of Marxism to IR: Many researchers applied Marxist thought to international relations, including analyzing imperialism. Hobson, Hilferding, and Lenin theorized about imperialism as a response to the dynamics of capitalist accumulation.
Key Assumptions of Marxism:
- Historical Materialism: Marxism emphasizes the historical context of social development. The production process, social relations, and power dynamics are fundamentally intertwined and shape the evolution of society.
- Base-Superstructure Model: The economic structure (base) influences the political, ideological, and cultural sphere (superstructure).
- Primacy of Economic Forces: This model places economic forces at the center of understanding social and political phenomena.
- Social Classes as Actors: Class struggle is envisioned as the driving force of history and international relations.
- State as Agent of Capitalist Elites: The state is seen as a tool of the ruling class—the bourgeoisie—serving their interests and maintaining the capitalist system.
- International Capitalist System: Capitalist accumulation drives international relations and fosters an unequal global hierarchy.
Marxism and Imperialism:
- Globalizing Capitalism: Marxist theorists were among the first to analyze the impact of globalizing capitalism and its role in imperial expansion.
- Hobson's Theory of Imperialism: Hobson argued that imperial expansion was a solution to overproduction, underconsumption, and over-savings within capitalist economies.
- Lenin's Theory of Imperialism: Lenin expanded on these ideas, proposing that imperial expansion was driven by the international expansion of monopoly capital and the "law of uneven development."
Dependency Theory:
- Latin American Dependency School: This school of thought emerged to analyze the unequal relationship between the "core" (developed countries) and the "periphery" (developing countries). It argued the periphery was systematically exploited by the core.
- World Systems Theory (Wallerstein): Wallerstein’s theory views the world economic system as a historical construct, with a core, periphery, and a semi-periphery.
Global Hegemony (Gramscianism):
- Beyond Economic Determinism: Gramsci, a prominent Marxist thinker, expanded Marxist thought to include a greater emphasis on culture, ideology, and consent, suggesting that hegemony operates through a combination of coercion and consent.
- Hegemonic Discourse: Hegemonic powers establish a dominant set of ideas that normalize their leadership and influence. These ideas are reinforced through various institutions and cultural expressions.
Marxism and Today's IR:
- US Global Activism: Marxist perspectives explain the US's active role in shaping the capitalist world order to benefit American interests. This includes pushing for free trade agreements and intervening in developing countries to ensure resource access and strategic control.
- Transnational Actors: Marxist analyses highlight the growing importance of transnational actors, such as global business and finance, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate beyond national borders and play a crucial role in shaping international relations.
Limitations of Marxist Approaches:
- Economic Determinism: Critics argue that Marxism oversimplifies the relationship between economics and politics, potentially overlooking the complexities of social and political dynamics.
- State as a Tool of Capitalist Elites: The idea of the state solely acting as a tool of the ruling class can be criticized as overly linear and underestimating the state’s agency and potential independence.
- Lack of Agency in the State: Critics point out that Marxism can neglect the state's agency and its capacity to pursue independent goals and act as a buffer between different social classes.

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Explore the foundational elements of Marxism, including its historical origins and significant applications in international relations. This quiz will cover key assumptions such as historical materialism and the base-superstructure model, providing a comprehensive understanding of Marxist theory.