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Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism w/ Breht O'Shea and Alyson Escalante

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Dec 31, 2024
Breht O'Shea and Alyson Escalante, known for their insightful work on revolutionary theory, dive deep into the intricate ties between capitalism and imperialism. They explain how capitalism has evolved into monopoly capitalism and the implications of Lenin's theories for modern society. The duo highlights the role of the state in perpetuating financial oligarchy and the urgent calls for radical change. Notably, they connect the struggle for resources with social unrest, encouraging international solidarity among the working class against systemic exploitation.
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INSIGHT

Imperialism Is Capitalism

  • Imperialism isn't just something capitalism does; it is capitalism at a certain stage.
  • This is why Marxists often use the term "capitalism-imperialism."
INSIGHT

Context of Lenin's Work

  • Lenin's Imperialism was written during World War I, analyzing capitalism's evolution into monopoly capitalism (imperialism).
  • He updated Marxism to address the new material conditions of the early 20th century.
INSIGHT

Lenin's Economic Focus

  • Lenin contests the idea of imperialism as a moral failure, arguing it's an economic process.
  • He highlights the centralization of markets and the rise of finance capital as key factors.
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