Ones and Tooze Heterodox Economists: Rosa Luxemburg
Dec 18, 2025
Dive into the revolutionary life of Rosa Luxemburg, a Polish Jewish thinker who reshaped social democracy. Discover her critiques of nationalism and capitalism, emphasizing class solidarity over ethnic identity. Explore her unique views on imperialism and the necessity of non-capitalist 'others.' Compare her ideas with Lenin's, particularly around innovation and mass movements. Luxemburg championed spontaneity in proletarian politics and believed in a pragmatic approach to theory and practice. Her stark slogan 'socialism or barbarism' warns of the perils of unchecked capitalism.
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Rejection Of Nationalism In Favor Of Class
- Rosa Luxemburg rejected nationalism and prioritized internationalist, class-based revolutionary politics over Polish or Jewish national projects.
- Her doctorate argued Polish economic dynamism depended on ties to larger empires, not a distinct national economy.
A Revolutionary Life Of Exile And Struggle
- Luxemburg grew up Jewish, Polish- and German-speaking in Russian-ruled Poland and joined revolutionary politics across Europe.
- She experienced exile, teaching in Germany, and was murdered by Weimar right-wing squads in 1919.
Imperialism As Perpetual Need
- Luxemburg argued capitalism constantly relies on incorporating non-capitalist societies through ongoing primitive accumulation.
- She saw imperialism as a perpetual necessity driven by capitalism's failure to generate sufficient internal demand.