Search results

This article discusses the historical background & content of Lenin's work on imperialism as the most evolved form of capitalism. This work, originally published in 1916, has captured renewed attention because of events on the international socio-economic stage. Lenin's distinction between capitalistic imperialism & military imperialism became a determining factor in the self-understanding of Marxists throughout the world, particularly in under-developed regions. In addition, this distinction also became a pivotal factor in Russian understanding of the revolution as a truly social revolution, thereby acting as a critical instrument in the country's understanding of its own history. Lenin's thinking is here also considered from a contemporary standpoint in which capitalism exists on a global scale. His view that social & political life in any given place would become increasingly dependent on what developments took place elsewhere is thereby suggested to be well ahead of its time in this respect. C Brunski