'Eurocentrism' is a classic of radical thought by one of the world's foremost political economists. His new introduction and concluding chapter make this provocative essay about one of the great 'ideological deformations' of our time even more compelling.
A political autobiography from one of the 20th Century's most prominent radical intellectuals that also serves as a primer on Samir Amin's influential theory and historical-political analysis. This memoir provides an insight into how radical movements have evolved in response to global capitalism since the 1940s.
A collection of Samir Amin’s ten most influential essays of the 21st century Radical political economist Samir Amin left behind a cherished oeuvre of Marxist writings. Amin’s intellectual range—from economics to culture—was admirable, and his lessons remain essential. Monthly Review Press is honored to publish this volume, culled from the Monthly Review magazine, of ten of Samir Amin’s most significant essays written in the twenty-first century. The collection is introduced by Amin’s friend and comrade, the Marxist philosopher Aijaz Ahmad, who provides a comprehensive survey of Amin’s life and path-breaking work. Ahmad also offers a contextual focus by which to read such stunningly astute pieces as “Revolution or Decadence?” and “Contemporary Imperialism.” Only People Make Their Own History is a loving and enlightening look at what the work of Samir Amin has meant—and will mean— to millions of people the world over.
Focusing on the impact of significant revolutions, the essays explore how the French, Russian, and Chinese revolutions shaped modern politics and social movements. They argue that these transformative events are essential for understanding contemporary struggles and aspirations. Samir Amin emphasizes the need to recognize both the ambitions and setbacks of these revolutions, challenging conservative narratives that dismiss them as mere accidents. This collection reflects on the centennial of the Russian Revolution, offering insights into its lasting significance and the ongoing quest for social justice.
Die in Europa entstandene Moderne, die Vernunft und Emanzipation verband und auf säkularen Grundlagen den Weg zur Demokratie erschloss, befindet sich in einer tödlichen Krise. Die Widersprüche der kapitalistischen Globalisierung, aus der sie hervorging – mit der in diesem Rahmen unaufhebbaren Polarisierung der Welt in Zentren und Peripherien – führen zu einer Abkehr von ihren universalistischen Prinzipien und zur Flucht in einen Kulturalismus, der das jeweils »Besondere« betont. Samir Amin entwickelt ein neues Verständnis der Moderne, das auf wirklich universellen Prinzipen beruht, indem er die historischen Grundlagen ihres auf Europa zentrierten, ideologisch verzerrten Denkens freilegt. Die erweiterte Neuausgabe dieses inzwischen klassischen Versuchs einer nicht-eurozentrischen Kritik der politischen Ökonomie hebt die verkannte Bedeutung der islamischen Kultur für die Geschichte der »westlichen« Zivilisation hervor. Vom Standpunkt einer wirklich universellen Moderne kritisiert sie zugleich die »umgekehrten Eurozentrismen« der ehemals Dritten Welt, vor allem am Beispiel des politischen Islam.
Focusing on the historical trajectory of capitalism, Samir Amin explores the persistent global polarization that hinders the peripheries from catching up with dominant centers. He argues that the decline of capitalism is intertwined with the efforts of Southern peoples to forge a new world, potentially moving towards socialism. Amin highlights the major conflicts of the 20th century and the new challenges faced in the 21st century, employing historical materialism as a framework to support activists fighting for socialism and the emancipation of Asian, African, and Latin American communities.
The central concept of the book is that theory must be grounded in the historical analysis of capitalism, challenging abstract bourgeois thinking that detaches economics from reality. The author explores the globalization of the law of value, examining the connections between capital and land ownership, modernity and religious interpretations, and the global expansion of capitalism, particularly in Russia and China. This anthology builds on previous work that emphasizes capitalism's imperialist nature, providing a nuanced understanding of its evolution in different contexts.
The book explores the global impact of the American model, analyzing how its economic and political systems are being adopted worldwide. It delves into the resulting consequences, providing insights into the challenges and changes that arise from this imposition. Through a critical lens, it highlights the implications for various nations and cultures as they navigate the influence of American ideologies.
Las tesis que desarrolla Samir Amin intentan abrir el debate sobre el futuro del sistema capitalista mundial. La militarización del orden mundial, los retrocesos constantes de la democracia, la degradación de las condiciones sociales de las mayorías son, para Amin, síntomas de la senilidad de un sistema que hoy se hace imperativo superar.
According to renowned Marxist economist Samir Amin, the recent Arab Spring uprisings comprise an integral part of a massive second awakening of the Global South. From the self-immolation in December 2010 of a Tunisian street vendor, to the consequent outcries in Cairo's Tahrir Square