Pluto Press Rosa Luxemburg and the Struggle for Democratic Renewal

What can contemporary activists and political theorists learn from the life and work of Rosa Luxemburg? Examining her contribution to radical democracy and revolutionary socialism, Jon Nixon shows why Red Rosa's legacy lives on. Luxemburg's political and intellectual formation was in itself a 'long revolution', conceived of over time and in response to world events; her groundbreaking ideas around internationalism and spontaneity were formulated in the context of revolution. Returning to her thinking on global capitalism, democratic renewal, state militarism, and the social question, Nixon draws out the enduring nature of her work, using her framework of ideas as a lens through which to view the contemporary debates.By establishing a rich and distinctive account of Luxemburg, Nixon makes the argument for why her struggle for democratic renewal is as relevant as ever. Review "A must for all those who are committed to social justice and democracy." --Helen Gunter, University of Manchester "An authoritative book that offers a compelling insight into the life and work of Rosa Luxemburg. Meticulously researched, this book showcases Nixon's breadth of scholarship, insight and critical imagination. In his interrogation of Luxemburg's social, historical and political contributions, Nixon exposes the importance of thinking differently and acting collectively. A significant contribution to the field of intellectual history." --Tanya Fitzgerald, La Trobe University "Jon Nixon provides us with a very well-written and detailed examination of Rosa Luxemburg and the historical and current importance of her work. This is a fine introduction to a compelling historical figure." --Michael W. Apple, University of Wisconsin "Jon Nixon's absorbing encounter with Rosa Luxemburg's controversial legacy is at once a scholarly and thoroughly enjoyable reading of this remarkable thinker of 'the political.' Not only is Nixon's analysis discerning and persuasive, it is also a timely reminder that Luxemburg's iconoclastic voice should play a decisive role in critical discussions of global politics today." --Patrick Hayden, University of St Andrews About the Author Jon Nixon is Honorary Professor within the Education University of Hong Kong and Visiting Professor at Middlesex University, UK. He has written widely on cultural and intellectual history. His recent books include Hans-Georg Gadamer: The Hermeneutical Imagination (Springer, 2017), Hannah Arendt and the Politics of Friendship (Bloomsbury, 2015), Higher Education and the Public Good (Bloomsbury, 2012) and Rosa Luxemburg and the Struggle for Democratic Renewal (Pluto, 2018).