Imperialist racism, the highest stage of racism

By conceptualising imperialism as the highest stage of capitalism, V. I. Lenin developed his sub-theory of imperialist racism as the highest stage of racism. This theory develops the insights of Karl Marx and Frederick Engels in four major respects. Firstly, Lenin established that modern racism is the product of imperialism, the product of state monopoly capitalism. Modern racism is rooted in the imperialist class system, and not some primordial racist ideology. Second, Lenin identified the labour aristocracy as a major impediment to anti-racist struggles. This social stratum presents a formidable obstacle to international proletarian unity. Third, Lenin established that anti-racism must conduct its activities on an international level. A purely domestic struggle is insufficient. Fourth, and lastly, Lenin established that imperialist racism is the final stage of racism. This is because state monopoly capitalism in the last rung on the ladder socialism, the system that will overcome structural racism.