Marxist Thought in South Asia

Marxism has had vibrant articulations around the world, particularly in Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and amongst Black diasporas, but South Asia has been relatively neglected in efforts to register the revolutionary theoretical traditions of the Global South. This volume of Political Power and Social Theory highlights lesser-known thinkers to unsettle the propensity within the Marxist cannon to disproportionately fixate on white male theorists, forging an anti-imperialist Marxism through dialectical and historical approaches that can contribute to and reenergize global Marxist theory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 11 December 2023
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Marxism is a global phenomenon that extends beyond the confines of the Euro-American world. It has taken on vibrant expressions across diverse regions, including Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and among Black diasporas. However, South Asia has largely been overlooked in the efforts to recognize and understand the revolutionary theoretical traditions of the Global South. This volume, titled Political Power and Social Theory, seeks to rectify this neglect by showcasing the contributions of lesser-known thinkers from South Asia to the Marxist discourse. By employing dialectical and historical approaches, the chapters in this book demonstrate how the South Asian dimension of Marxism can enrich and revitalize global Marxist theory.

In Latin America, Marxism has been deeply intertwined with the struggles for social justice and political empowerment. Figures such as Che Guevara, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, and Fidel Castro have become iconic symbols of the Marxist movement, advocating for the overthrow of capitalist regimes and the establishment of socialist societies. Marxist ideas have also influenced the development of popular movements, such as the Zapatista movement in Mexico and the Movimiento 19 de Abril in Brazil, which have challenged the power of multinational corporations and demanded greater autonomy for marginalized communities.

In Africa, Marxism has been a powerful tool for analyzing the historical and structural factors that have contributed to poverty, inequality, and colonialism. Scholars such as Chinua Achebe, Amilcar Cabral, and Kwame Nkrumah have used Marxist analysis to challenge the dominant narratives of African history and advocate for a more equitable and democratic future. Marxist ideas have also been central to the struggles for independence and self-determination in many African countries, such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

In the Caribbean, Marxism has been shaped by the region's complex history of colonialism, slavery, and economic exploitation. Scholars such as C. L. R. James, Eric Williams, and Walter Rodney have used Marxist analysis to expose the roots of these social and economic problems and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society. Marxist ideas have also been central to the struggles for political independence and social justice in many Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados.

Among Black diasporas, Marxism has provided a framework for understanding the historical and structural factors that have contributed to racial oppression and discrimination. Scholars such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, and Angela Y. Davis have used Marxist analysis to challenge the dominant narratives of African American history and advocate for a more radical and transformative approach to social change. Marxist ideas have also been central to the struggles for civil rights.

In South Asia, Marxism has had a less visible presence, but it has also had significant impacts on the region's political and social landscapes. Scholars such as Ramaswamy Iyer, Partha Chatterjee, and Arundhati Roy have used Marxist analysis to examine the historical and cultural roots of India's caste system, the exploitation of labor in South Asia, and the impact of globalization on the region's economies and cultures. Marxist ideas have also been central to the struggles for social justice and political empowerment in many South Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Despite these contributions, South Asia has been relatively neglected in the broader study of Marxism. This volume seeks to rectify this neglect by highlighting the unique perspectives and insights of South Asian thinkers who have made significant contributions to the Marxist discourse. By engaging with the South Asian facet of Marxism, we can better understand the complexities and nuances of this revolutionary tradition and its potential to contribute to and even reenergize global Marxist theory.

In conclusion, Marxism is a global phenomenon that has had profound impacts on the political and social landscapes of diverse regions. While South Asia has been relatively overlooked in the efforts to recognize and understand the revolutionary theoretical traditions of the Global South, this volume seeks to rectify this neglect by showcasing the contributions of lesser-known thinkers from South Asia to the Marxist discourse. By employing dialectical and historical approaches, the chapters in this book demonstrate how the South Asian dimension of Marxism can enrich and revitalize global Marxist theory. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, it is essential to engage with the diverse voices and experiences of the Global South and to recognize the valuable contributions that they can make to our understanding of the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837971831