New Books in Critical Theory Bruno Leipold, "Citizen Marx: Republicanism and the Formation of Karl Marx’s Social and Political Thought" (Princeton UP, 2024)
Apr 6, 2025
Bruno Leipold, a Fellow in political theory at LSE, delves into the intricate ties between Karl Marx's thought and republicanism in his new book. He challenges mainstream views by revealing Marx's evolving relationship with republican ideals, highlighting its impact on his critiques of power and capitalism. Leipold argues that democratic institutions were essential to Marx's vision of freedom, exploring his critiques of the 1848 French Republic and the significance of civic freedoms. The discussion also reflects on the Paris Commune's role in shaping Marx's political philosophy amidst contemporary debates.
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19th-Century European Politics
- 19th-century Europe's political landscape differed vastly from today's.
- Republicanism was the left-wing ideology, advocating for democratic republics against monarchies and challenging liberals' constitutional monarchies.
Marx's Early Journalism & Censorship
- Karl Marx's early journalism targeted Prussia's monarchy, but government censorship restricted his expression.
- He strategically criticized specific instances of arbitrary power, like censorship itself and feudal legislatures, rather than directly attacking the monarchy.
Marx's Critique of Hegel's Monarchy
- Marx critiqued Hegel's constitutional monarchy model, viewing it as politically exclusive.
- He argued for popular lawmaking, citizen administration, and representative accountability, contrasting with Hegel's limited system.