Rethinking Development : Marxist Perspectives

"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 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? 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 Titles Published 7 Titles Forthcoming 9 Preface 12 Praise for Rethinking Development 16 Contents 22 1 Definitions and Dilemmas 24 Marxism 25 Development 31 This Book 36 References 42 Part I Classics 44 2 Marxism and Capitalism 45 Mode of Production 46 ‘All That Is Solid Melts into Air’ 51 Contradictions 57 References 62 3 Marx and Underdevelopment 64 Beyond Stages 65 Politics in Command 70 Unequal Exchange 76 References 81 4 Lenin and Development 84 Development of Capitalism in Russia 85 Soviets Plus Electrification 92 Leninism as Development Ideology 98 References 102 5 Lenin and Imperialism 104 Highest Stage of Capitalism 104 Imperialism and Development 111 Uneven and Combined Development 116 References 122 6 Luxemburg and Global Development 124 Critique of Marx 125 Permanent Primitive Accumulation 132 Accumulation by Dispossession 137 References 142 Part II Contemporary 144 7 Dependent Development 145 Completing Lenin 146 Achievements and Limitations 151 External/Internal Dialectic 156 References 162 8 Post-Development 166 After Modernity 167 Decolonial Option 172 Politics 178 References 184 9 Indigenous Development 187 Buen Vivir 188 Marxist Indigenism 193 Back to the Future 200 References 205 10 Globalisation and Development 207 A Flat World 208 Black Holes 214 Development Futures 218 References 224 Index 227 The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.