A Marxist Theory of International Relations

Abstract

The lack of a rigorous Marxian theory of the state and the international has caused much discussion about what a Marxist theory of imperialism and International Relations would look like. The aim of this chapter is threefold. Firstly, it makes the reader familiar with theories of and debates on imperialism in the early twentieth century and the early twenty-first century. Secondly, it reviews theories of imperialism seeking to highlight strengths and weaknesses. Thirdly, it provides the theoretical framework for the empirical chapters of the book. Ultimately, this chapter maintains that because capitalism develops unevenly at the spatial, institutional, and ideological level, a Marxist theory of the international can incorporate political concepts from mainstream theories of IR. It is suggested that such theory should develop an ‘operational code’ of political elites’ ideologies that accounts for their views of the geopolitical world order, capitalism and the ruling class, and power.