Is Russia imperialist? | MR Online
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Is Russia Imperialist is a look at capitalist Russia today and its place in the world economic system. In this article we look at the degree capitalist Russia today shares in the features outlined by Lenin in his book Imperialism. We consider the role Russian capitalist monopolies play in the world imperialist system, the nature of Russia’s export trade, the export of Russian capital, the world role played by Russian finance capital, and finally Russian military power.

Before I start: I have not read Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism. I have the book, but I’m reading “Anarchism or Socialism?” By Stalin now to brush up on DialMat(every now an then I confuse Idealism and Metaphysics). I was wondering is this definition of Imperialism and the facts they use to back used in good faith and not just a “Yea they totally aren’t imperialist don’t worry” take on Russia? Sorry if that was worded weird, lmk thanks

  • @PolandIsAStateOfMind
    12•2 years ago

    “Imperialism” isn’t only thing Lenin wrote about the topic of socialism and war. Remember how Stalin says about “objective revolutionary” and “objective reactionary” and Mao about “just, progressive war”? Those are literally taken with context from the Lenin’s articles written in 1914.

    Ultras like to oneline Lenin and apparently ignore that it isn’t WW1 anymore. Hell, Lenin did not even had any trouble in supporting one side in 1905, in purely imperialist war.

    • ButtigiegMineralMapOP
      3•2 years ago

      In your opinion, does this article give a decent definition or Imperialism?; because I actually don’t have as good of an understanding of Imperialism as others, I will fully admit.

      • @PolandIsAStateOfMind
        8•2 years ago

        Let’s see. The article is basically concentrated on the Lenin’s list, and in this it is not bad (certainly better than most of what western left produces) with some points being good, and some points missed - for example points about corpos and banks apparently assume that China is country of the dictatorship of the bourgeosie, which is false. He also heavily concentrated on size rather than structure, which is pretty much faulty since there are small imperialist countries.

        Conclusion in point 5 is correct - Russia is a capitalist state but far from being imperialist.

        • ButtigiegMineralMapOP
          5•2 years ago

          Nice! I actually had similar criticisms, I also think some of their definitions lead to a an understanding of an Imperialist China (which I definitely don’t believe in, their production was HINDERED by foreign imperialism if anything) so thanks for checking it out; One thing I will admit to is that this article is NOT the most recent but I think their foreign investment has likely decreased recently given the Russophobia as of late

        • @Idliketothinkimsmart
          4•2 years ago

          I remember getting into this with an ultra a long time ago, worst mistake of my life.

  • @crossy_grynch
    -2•2 years ago

    Russia is wannabe imperialist, but too weak to become real one.

    • ☭ 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗘𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 ☭A
      6•2 years ago

      Putin and some in his party may be (I don’t know if they’ve changed since they wanted to join NATO), but the government as a whole clearly isn’t. Their main exports are natural resources and commodities, not capital