Historical Materialism in the Last Stage of Imperialism

This article provides a historical perspective on the trajectory of neocolonialism and the current systemic crisis before revisiting some of the open questions on systemic transition. The key aspects of this trajectory include the permanent crisis of monopoly capitalism and the manner in which peripheral social formations have evolved. A real trend toward recolonization is clearly evident at the current juncture. The specific questions considered derive from the revolutionary experiences of the twentieth century. They concern two perennial contradictions—between popular alliances and national defense, and between communism and nationalism—which naturally emerge in the peripheries in the struggle against imperialism and colonialism. It is argued that Marxist–Leninist doctrine, as the vanguard of historical materialism, must continue to clarify the role of colonialism and its legacies if we are to grasp what is at stake in the transition to a polycentric world. The article proceeds to sketch out the elements of a general theory of systemic transition.