Global Marxism and the Decolonial Turn
Venue
Online OnlyDescription
About the talk:
Marxism became the most prominent school of thought in inspiring revolutionary ideas throughout the global South, particularly in the second half of the twentieth century when nations were in search of alternatives to advances of imperialist and colonial forces. It created radical political imaginaries which rejected capitalism while emphasising an indigenous ideological heritage, values and traditions. Nationalist sentiments went hand in hand with anti-capitalist and egalitarian objectives and provided an alternative to the Western model of modernization.
This talk criticises accusations of Eurocentrism against Marx(ism) and discusses the problems with the decolonial turn that disconnects decolonisation from Marxism. It advances two main arguments: First that a close examination of the history of anti-colonial and anti-imperialist struggles reveals that Marxism and anti-colonial thought and practice are inseparable and therefore, the re-joining of Marxism and decolonisation debates is imperative. Second, it argues that it is Eurocentric to claim that Marxism is Eurocentric, because this entails dismissing the cornerstone of some of the most transformative movements and revolutionary projects of recent human history.
About the speaker:
Simin Fadaee is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Manchester and President of the International Sociological Association Research Committee on Social Classes and Social Movements. She is the author or editor of several books, including Global Marxism: Decolonisation and Revolutionary Politics (2024) and Marxism, Religion and Emancipatory Politics (2022).
About the series:
The Sociology Speaker Series presents the latest research by academic staff members and distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom and beyond. We normally meet on Wednesdays during the semester. Registration is free and open to all University of Edinburgh students and staff. Organised by Dr Lisa McCormick (lisa.mccormick@ed.ac.uk).
Key speakers
- Simin Fadaee