Capitalism, Dependency and Ultra-Imperialism: Political Economy of the Capitalist International System

This book explores an alternative explanation of globalisation and the political economic structures of the international system, arguing that capitalism does not transfer basic capitalist structures from the Centre to the Periphery. A structurally homogeneous and ultraimperialist Centre dominates a deeply fissured Periphery of structurally heterogeneous societies and economies, with rent constituting the basis for state operations and the role of emerging state classes. Globalisation has given new comparative advantage to the South, but this is not always sufficient to compensate for the loss of influence experienced by social reformist forces. A novel multipolar system based on the balance of power has emerged, with mutliethnic empires held together with large varieties of however always identitarian ideologies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book presents a groundbreaking alternative perspective on globalisation and the political-economic structures of the international system. Contrary to popular belief, globalisation does not simply transfer core capitalist structures from the Centre to the Periphery as a consequence of capitalism. Instead, capitalism thrives on the rise of mass incomes, which in turn generate investment opportunities and the potential for profit. A structurally homogeneous and ultraimperialist Centre dominates a deeply fragmented Periphery, composed of structurally heterogeneous societies and economies. Capitalism permeates underdeveloped regions, exerting its influence through rent, which hinders the expansion of internal mass markets while disempowering labour. Rent serves as the foundation for state operations and the emergence of new state classes. While globalisation has disempowered labour in both the West and the South, it has bestowed upon the South a newfound comparative advantage. This shift from rent appropriation through raw material exports to export-led manufacturing is driven by devaluation below purchasing power parity and relies on a rent derived from agriculture, fueled by the Green Revolution. However, the impact of this transformation is not always sufficient to compensate for the loss of influence experienced by social reformist forces. A novel multipolar system has emerged, characterized by the balance of power among various ethnic empires. These empires are held together by diverse yet always identitarian ideologies. This global system is composed of powers that are internally and externally opposed to peaceful change. Across the globe, there is a growing threat of the globalisation of rent, which poses significant challenges to the stability and well-being of societies worldwide.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032605944