'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.
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.
Is it possible for the Third World to escape from the constraints imposed by the world's economic system? What room for manoeuvre do these states have, and are they condemned to dependence?These are some of the questions Samir Amin confronts in Delinking . He argues that Third World countries cannot hope to raise living standards if they continue to adjust their development strategies in line with the trends set by a fundamentally unequal global capitalist system over which they have no control.The only alternative, he maintains, is for Third World societies to 'delink' from the logic of the global system - each country submitting its external economic relations to the logic of domestic development priorities, which in turn requires a broad coalition of popular forces in control of the state. Delinking, he shows, is not about absolute autarchy, but a neutralizing of the effects of external economic interactions on internal choices.
In this second volume of his memoirs and final writings based on his life,
Samir Amin describes his thoughts and experiences with an array of countries,
primarily in the Arab World, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, recounting in
detail the stages of his ongoing dialogue over several decades with popular
movements struggling for a better future--
Analyzing the interconnected crises of our time, Samir Amin argues that financial turmoil, the Eurozone's challenges, the rise of BRIC nations, and political Islam reveal a deep systemic crisis within monopoly capitalism. He revises classical concepts of social classes and political movements to highlight the unsustainability of the current capitalist system. Amin's compelling conclusion presents a dire outlook, emphasizing the necessity for a more humane global order as humanity confronts stark choices for the future.
The book delves into the systemic crisis of capitalism following two decades of neoliberal globalization, highlighting the military interventions by the United States, Europe, and Japan aimed at controlling the Global South. It critiques these strategies and advocates for a collaborative approach between Northern and Southern forces to foster a more humane society, offering a vision for a sustainable and equitable future.