Globalisation: A Systematic Marxian Account

Historical Materialism #10

by Tony Smith

Part One of this book examines the social-state, neoliberal, catalytic-state, and democratic-cosmopolitan models of globalisation. Each necessarily tends to function in a manner contradicting essential claims made by its leading advocates. This "immanent contradiction" provides a theoretical warrant for moving to a new position, addressing the shortcomings of the previous framework. The first three chapters of Part Two are devoted to a Marxian model of capitalist globalisation, in which the irresolvable contradictions and social antagonisms of the capitalist global order are explicitly recognised. The final chapter is devoted to a Marxian model of socialist globalisation, in which those contradictions and antagonisms are overcome, bringing the systematic dialectic of globalisation to a close.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Economics

358 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Tony Smith is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Reviews

[Roberto Yoed · Rating 1 out of 5]

An interesting account of different ways to conceptualize neoliberalism (which on its own it's pretty decent) but in the end this book reveals it's true intention: to "criticize" and warn us about all the socialist states that ever existed.

From an ok discussion we pass to be presented with a series of boring and predictables cliches. This book is yet another ideological reaction to communist parties.

For a better understanding of neoliberalism and globalisation go and read David Harvey.