Marxism Today

Early in the 20th century, revolutionary socialism was not only gaining momentum but appeared destined to conquer the world. By mid-century, the red flag flew over capitals in Eastern Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central America; by the 1970s over one-third of the world's population lived under socialist regimes. All that has changed. With the 20th century drawing to a close, the political map of the globe looks very different: most socialist states have collapsed, revolutionary movements have been abandoned, and the United States stands as the world's lone superpower. This unique volume examines these changes—the defeat of Marxism—and suggests that the present historical juncture is but a temporary setback in the march of the working class. The authors propose that Marxism remains the most useful approach in understanding and explaining contemporary capitalism and its decay, as well as the only path toward the liberation of society from class exploitation.

A revisionist examination of the collapse of communism, offering analysis of the reality of contemporary capitalism with new ideas about socialism and the socialist project.

Booknews

As a political philosophy Marxism has suffered in prestige since the dissolution of the former Soviet Union, drastic political change in Eastern Europe, and the economic embrace of China. Nevertheless, these 12 scholars believe that Marxism remains a viable political approach, a living science that can adapt to the shifting contemporary reality. Their discussions of revolutionary politics, capitalist transformation, class, culture, and race update the traditional rhetoric, presenting an interesting counterpoint to democratic posturing. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

CHRONIS POLYCHRONIOU is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

HARRY R. TARG is a Professor of Political Science at Purdue University in Indiana.