Imperialism, pioneer of capitalism /

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Author / Creator:Warren, Bill
Imprint:London : Verso, 1980.
Description:xvii, 274 p. ; 21 cm.
Language:English
Subject:Imperialism
Capitalism
Communism
Economic history.
Imperialism.
Marxian economics.
Developing countries -- Foreign economic relations
Developing countries.
Format: Print Book
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/659449
Hidden Bibliographic Details
Other authors / contributors:Sender, John
ISBN:0860917320 (pbk): £3.95
Notes:Includes index.
Bibliography: p. [257]-270.
Description
Summary:Ever since the First World War, socialists have considered imperialism a calamity: responsible for militarism, economic stagnation, and assaults on democracy in the metropolitan countries, an impediment to economic and cultural development in the Third World. So widespread has this view become that it is shared, in its essentials, not only by Marxists but also by an entire school of liberal development economists. Bill Warren breaks with this traditional outlook, arguing that the theory of imperialism, one of Marxism's most influential concepts, is not only contradicted by the facts, but has diluted and distorted Marxism itself.<br> <br> In particular, Warren disputes the claim that "monopoly capitalism" represents the ultimate stage of senile capitalism and sets out to refute the notion that imperialism is a regressive force impeding or distorting economic development in the Third World. The book argues on the contrary that direct colonialism powerfully impelled social change in Asia and Africa, laying the foundation for a vibrant indigenous capitalism. Finally, it takes issue with the conventional view that postwar economic performance in the Third World has been disastrous, presenting a powerful empirical case that the gap between rich and poor countries is actually narrowing.<br> <br> Closely argued, clearly written, original and iconoclastic, Imperialism: Pioneer of Capitalism is a compelling challenge to one of the chief tenets of contemporary socialist politics.
Item Description:Includes index.
Physical Description:xvii, 274 p. ; 21 cm.
Bibliography:Bibliography: p. [257]-270.
ISBN:0860917320 (pbk): £3.95