Marxist Approach To IR

Marxist Approach to IR
Introduction
It would be inappropriate if we use the term ‘Marxist school of international politics’. Because
Marx considered politics as a part of superstructure hence it is preferable to use the term ‘Marxist
school of international political economy’.
There is no contribution of Karl Marx toward the theory of international politics as he focused his
attention in the domestic sphere. Yet we see some relevant ideas in Marx.
1. Marx did focused on expansionist nature of capitalism. In the words of Marx ‘Search for
profits take bourgeoise to settle everywhere and nestle everywhere’.
2. Marx did not believe in nationalism and called for proletarian internationalism. (They are
in favour of globalization but not capitalist globalization.)
3. In Marxism, it was Lenin who developed the theory of international politics. He has given
the analysis of imperialism. From Lenin emerges the instrumentalist school, also known as
dependency school.
“Search for profits take bourgeoise to settle everywhere and nestle -everywhere.” - Karl Marx.
World Systems Theory by Immanuel Wallerstein
World system theory is a grand sociological theory. World system

theory is analysis of the working of capitalism at global level. It is
influenced by Lenin’s ideas. It provides criticism of globalization
from Marxist point of view. It gives critique of modernization
theory.
Political Modernization: Modernization theorists suggested that

the path for poverty alleviation of the developing countries is
greater integration with international economy.
Dependency school scholars suggested that closer the country is
integrated with international economy, poorer it will be. E.g. The reason for poverty in Africa and
Latin American countries is linked to the working of MNCs in these countries. Hence, they
suggested ‘national autonomous development’.
Salient features of Wallerstein’s theory.

Wallerstein’s theory is descriptive as well as prescriptive. It describes the structure of international
politics in the form of world system. And prescriptive because, it suggests to shift towards
socialism. According to Wallerstein, we have only two choices either socialism or barbarianism.
1. According to Wallerstein, capitalism has become a world system. It means expanded

throughout the globe.
2. Expansion of capitalism has linked the countries of the world with each other.
3. He categorizes the countries into three groups
4. According to Wallerstein, we have seen two types of world systems.
a. Up till 17th century – The nature of world system was political. It was centralized
(Roman empire). Peripheries used to pay the tribute to the center which was
redistributed to the peripheries by center.
b. Since 17th century – The world system has become economic. It has become
decentralized. The distribution of goods is being done through the markets. In 17th
century, it was led by Holland (Netherlands). In 19th century by Britain and since
20th century by USA.
5. Wallerstein described world system as ‘multicultural territorial division of labour’ in
which production and exchange of the basic goods and raw materials necessary for day
to day life takes place.
6. He has explained the world system and its features. Every world system has three
dimensions.
a. Spatial dimension
b. Temporal dimension and
c. Cultural dimension.
The spatial dimension of world system.

Semi Peripheries
This is the new category added by Immanuel Wallerstein. This represents the set of developing
countries which have got some benefits in the world system. E.g. Asian Tigers, BRICS countries.
They get benefited because:-
1. They had some amount of law and order.

2. Some amount of industrial base.
3. Some amount of skilled and semi-skilled labour.
However, these countries have not benefitted the other countries of periphery. In one way, they
have become the allies of core countries. It is because of these countries that it has not been
possible to achieve socialist revolution on a global scale. They have also harmed the interest of
the working classes in the core countries.
They have only benefitted the capitalist of core countries. They have weakened the power of
working classes in the core countries as they provide cheap labour to the capitalists. It is one of
the reasons for unemployment in core countries. Since there is poor regulation and law and order,
it was possible for the capitalists of core countries to shift outdated technologies from core to
semi-peripheries. Thus, they have offset the achievements of civil society, especially
environmental movements in the western countries. According to Immanuel Wallerstein, semi-
peripheries have become the new elites exploiting the countries of periphery.
Temporal dimensions:
Every system has its lifespan. Present world system originated in 17th century and is now moving
towards its end. He has given the three features of capitalism in terms of temporal dimension.
1. Cyclical rhythms – capitalism sees cycles of boom and burst.

2. Secular trends – It reflects contradictions within capitalism. e.g. Decrease in wages for the
sake of profits decrease the purchasing power and results into the slowdown of economy.
3. Crisis – Cyclical rhythms and secular trends ultimately lead to the collapse of the system.
Cultural dimension
Wallerstein uses the term geo-culture. Geo-culture has two components.
1. Science
2. Liberalism, both features promote capitalism.
Criticism of World System School

According to critics, this model is also ‘monocausal’. An example of economic determinism.
Overemphasis on economic factors behind the happening of any phenomenon. International
politics is too complex to be explained only through a single factor.
Post colonial scholars consider even this approach as Eurocentric i.e. based on the experience of
the western countries.
Gramscian school explanations can also be used to criticise Wallerstein’s theory.

Gramscian School
Scholar: Robert Cox.
Book - SOCIAL FORCES, STATE AND WORLD ORDERS BEYOND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THEORY Published in 1981.
According to Gramscian tradition, it is not enough to explain international politics by

understanding the material structure alone. We have to understand how cultural and ideological
factors also play the role. In order to explain US hegemony, we have to see not just the economic
and military power of USA but also the ideological power it utilizes. The liberal international
economic order is meant to benefit USA. However, USA has been able to convince the
international community that it is in the benefit of all. When all approve liberal international
economic order, it further benefits US and build its hegemony.
Robert Cox became famous with his statement – ‘Theory is always for someone and for some
purpose.’ He has analyzed the realist and liberal theories to find out that ultimately these theories
are written from the perspective of which classes. Both the theories ultimately benefit the
capitalist class.
Critical school
Scholar: - Andrew Linklater
Critical school/ Frankfurt school is concerned about
’emancipation of masses’.
Andrew Linklater suggests that world can be emancipated
from wars only when we make territorial boundaries
irrelevant. He also suggests the strengthening of grass root
democracy. People should be empowered enough to put
pressure on the ruling class to take responsible actions.
He suggests to strengthen moral boundaries across
nations. It denotes transnational civil society networks.
Some Previous Year Questions:-

1. Marxist approach to International Politics. (02/20)
2. Do you agree with the nation that Marxist Approach to the study of international
relations is largely based on economics reductionism? Give reason.(08/60)
3. How does Marxist approach explain contemporary international relations?(02/20)
4. Explain the relevance of the Marxist approach in context of globalization. (20/19)

Marxist Approach To IR

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Marxist Approach To IR

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Marxist Approach To IR

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Marxist Approach to IR

World Systems Theory by Immanuel Wallerstein

World system theory is a grand sociological theory. World system

Political Modernization: Modernization theorists suggested that

Salient features of Wallerstein’s theory.

1. According to Wallerstein, capitalism has become a world system. It means expanded

The spatial dimension of world system.

1. They had some amount of law and order.

1. Cyclical rhythms – capitalism sees cycles of boom and burst.

Criticism of World System School

Gramscian school explanations can also be used to criticise Wallerstein’s theory.

According to Gramscian tradition, it is not enough to explain international politics by

Some Previous Year Questions:-

You might also like