MACMILLAN Rethinking Development: Marxist Perspectives (Marx, Engels, and Marxisms)

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? Review “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, Professor of 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 From the Back Cover “This book undertakes its analysis with historical depth and finesse, wide engagement and crystal clear language. A formidable work that offers many fresh insights.” ― Jan Nederveen Pieterse, University of California Santa Barbara, USA   “Ronaldo Munck’s critical reassessment of Marxist thought has timely relevance. His ultimate methodological goal is especially significant for its incorporation of non-European thought.” ―  Philip McMichael, Cornell University, USA   “Written with exceptional clarity and sophistication, this book will be of interest to experts and students alike.”―   Nandini Gooptu, Oxford University, UK  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 w