Session 21- Marxism

Gaining prominence in the mid 19^th century, Marxism was the brainchild of two German philosophers, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Compared to other mainstream international relations theories, Marxism focuses on historical materialism, emancipation and social classes rather than focusing on power and security. Marxism is the only theory that focuses on equality and the economic disparity between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. Marx talks about how the ruling class exploits the working class and to draw their focus away from how they are being exploited, they use repressive and ideological state apparatus to create a sense of false consciousness amongst the people so that they do not revolt against the state.

The constant move towards capitalism is alienating the people from the world. This is the result of private ownerships of capital, which makes an individual thrive for more and more material goods. In this process they no longer feel any satisfaction or sense of connection in life, and instead work to earn money to fulfill their never-ending needs. It becomes a mechanical, ‘robotic’ activity directed by the bourgeoisie to exploit the proletariat to serve as a means to an end. Therefore until and unless there is an uprising from within the proletariat, the working class will keep getting exploited and a communist state status will never be achieved.