Rethinking Development: Marxist Perspectives

by Ronaldo Munck

Overview

Development and underdevelopment are the main determinants of life-chances worldwide, arguably more so than social class. Marxism, as the underlying theory for social revolution, needs to have a clear understanding of the dynamics of development and social progress. Exploring the intersection of Marxism and development, this book looks at Marx’s original conception of capitalist development and his later engagement with under-developed Russia. The author also reviews Lenin’s early critique of the Russian populists' rejection of capitalism compared with his later analysis of imperialism as a brake on development in the non-European world. The book then considers Rosa Luxemburg, who arguably provides a bridge between these theorists and those that follow with her analysis of imperialism as a necessity for capitalism to incorporate non-capitalist lands. Turning then to the non-European world, the author examines the Latin American dependency theories, the post-development school and the recent indigenous development theories advanced by Andean Marxism. Finally, Munck addresses the relationship between globalization and development. Does this relationship suggest that it has not been capitalism but a lack of capitalism that has led to under-development?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030738112
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan
Publication date:	05/17/2021
Series:	Marx, Engels, and Marxisms
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	430 KB

About the Author

Ronaldo Munck is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Engaged Research at Dublin City University and holds visiting posts in Argentina, Ecuador, Canada and Germany.

Table of Contents

Definitions and Dilemmas.- Chapter 2. Marx and Capitalism.- Chapter 3. Marx and Underdevelopment.- Chapter 4. Lenin and Development.- Chapter 5. Lenin and Imperialism.- Chapter 6. Luxemburg and Global Development.- Chapter 7. Dependent Development.- Chapter 8. Post-Development.- Chapter 9. Indigenous Development.- Chapter 10. Globalisation and Development.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This book pairs a journey through Marxist perspectives on growth and development with international development questions. It does so with historical depth and finesse, wide engagement and crystal clear language. A formidable work that offers many fresh insights.”

— Jan Nederveen Pieterse, Global Studies, University of California Santa Barbara, US

“Ronaldo Munck’s critical reassessment of Marxist thought has important and timely relevance to contemporary material relations and epistemic realities. He juggles Marxism’s protean strands adeptly, summarizing principal thinkers and debates in the context of geo-political-economic relations across time and space. His ultimate methodological goal of divining the current capitalist order is especially significant for incorporating non-European thought, thereby complicating how such a world order can be analysed and progressively transformed.”

— Philip McMichael, Professorof Global Development, Cornell University, US

“With admirable command over a vast terrain of development and Marxist theories, Munck offers a reinterpretation of both and illuminates contemporary debates in development in a new light. The book presents refreshing, new perspectives on established paradigms, bringing them into productive conversation with recent bodies of literature, such as postcolonial theory. Written with exceptional clarity and sophistication, this book will be of interest to experts and students alike.”

— Nandini Gooptu, Professor of South Asian Studies, Oxford Department of International Development, Oxford University, UK

Editorial Reviews

Rethinking Development: Marxist Perspectives is certainly a must-read for someone who seeks to understand the complex intertwining of Marxism with the development discourse and explore unorthodox and non-Eurocentric approaches. Furthermore, this book directly engages with political practice, suggesting that Marxism should intermingle with concepts from the Global South to face neoliberalism from a global perspective and avoid determinism and Eurocentrism.” (Andrea Taborri, Capital & Class, Vol. 47 (2), June, 2023)

From the Publisher