Archaism and Actuality: Japan and the Global Fascist Imaginary

Harry Harootunian's book "Archaism and Actuality" explores the formation of capitalism and fascism in Japan, highlighting the country's unique path to modernity. He argues that the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and its program of transforming Japan into a modern society exemplified a distinct trajectory into capitalism, foreclosing any notion of a pure or universal development of capitalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

In his groundbreaking work, Archaism and Actuality, esteemed Marxist historian Harry Harootunian delves into the intricate formation of capitalism and fascism in Japan, serving as a remarkable illustration of the uneven development of capitalism. Through the application of his theory of subsumption, Harootunian explores how capitalism seamlessly integrates and reroutes preexisting social, cultural, and economic practices to shape the present. This process of subsumption ultimately leads to a global landscape where states and societies exist at various stages and manifestations of capitalism.

Drawing upon the insights of Japanese philosophers Miki Kiyoshi and Tosaka Jun, Marxist theory, and Gramsci's notion of passive revolution, Harootunian showcases how the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and its ambitious program aimed at transforming Japan into a modern society exemplified a distinct pathway to capitalism. Japan's nineteenth and twentieth-century capitalist expansion, its rise as an imperial power, and its subsequent transition to fascism represent a unique trajectory into modernity that forecloses any notion of a pure or universal development of capitalism.

In Archaism and Actuality, Harootunian presents not only a re-theorization of capitalist development but also a re-interpretation of pivotal moments in modern Japanese history. Through his meticulous analysis, he sheds light on the complex interplay between historical forces, social structures, and economic systems, providing a fresh perspective on the nation's historical trajectory. This seminal work not only enriches our understanding of capitalism but also offers valuable insights into the broader global context of economic and political change.

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478025221