Crystal Bartolovich & Neil Lazarus (eds) "Marxism, Modernity, and Postcolonial Studies" (Book Note)

The contributors to "Marxism, Modernity, and Postcolonial Studies" emphasize that Marx and Marxism have engaged with the complex and diverse conditions of capitalism and modernity, shaping the world we inhabit. Bartolovich defines Marxism in this volume as a dynamic project, not merely a discourse or academic knowledge. The central argument is that postcolonial studies should grapple with the capitalism embedded within modernity.

 

Postcolonial studies, according to the contributors, has primarily focused on textual analysis of the postcolonial present, often neglecting the colonial and anticolonial past. Larsen critiques postcolonialism for seemingly having more to do with the reception of French theory in certain regions than with cultural decolonization or the international division of labor. While acknowledging the importance of textual analysis, the contributors advocate for a sustained consideration of historical conditions and the tangible realities of postcolonialism.

 

Several essays in the volume critique different aspects of postcolonial studies, urging for a reevaluation of its scope and focus. Larsen's own article aims to revive the Marx buried beneath figures like Althusser, Deleuze, and Derrida within postcolonial studies. He suggests a return to Marxism as a necessary relationship of theory and practice. His exploration of "The Eighteenth Brumaire" and Spivak's "Can the Subaltern Speak?" exemplifies attempts to foster a dialogue between Marxism and postcolonial studies. Larsen's connection between the subaltern and globalized labor highlights the provocative potential of merging Marxist and postcolonial perspectives.

 

Neil Lazarus examines how the concept of "the West" has led postcolonial studies astray. While affirming the importance of postcolonial studies' critique of Eurocentrism, Lazarus contends that using "the West" as a shorthand for Eurocentrism, progress, reason, or the Enlightenment oversimplifies complex ideological categories and political allegiances. He argues that postcolonial theorists have failed to treat "the West" as a historical problematic. Lazarus emphasizes the need to recognize the globality of capitalism within the Marxist narrative of modernity, proposing it as a pivotal point for dialogue between Marxism and postcolonial studies.

The contributors to "Marxism, Modernity, and Postcolonial Studies" critique postcolonial studies for its accusations that Marxism is Eurocentric and inapplicable to the postcolonial present and anticolonial past. Nimtz and Jani reexamine Marx and Engels' writings on the struggles of non-European peoples in colonial situations, challenging the notion that Marx focused solely on Europe as the primary site of modernity. Nimtz highlights Marx's global interdependence perspective, while Jani explores Marx's evolving stance on anticolonial struggles, emphasizing a critical engagement with Marxism.

 

Parallel essays by Benita Parry and E. San Juan Jr. examine how activists have utilized Marxism in anticolonial struggles, challenging the idea that postcolonial studies relies on poststructuralism or deconstruction. They assert that historical instances of anticolonial resistance were inspired and mobilized by Marxist theory. The volume suggests that postcolonial studies, marked by a disregard for history, has acquiesced to existing conditions.

 

Importantly, the book does not portray Marxism as a complete solution or a silver anticolonial bullet. It acknowledges the successes and limitations of both postcolonial studies and Marxism. The contributors argue for a commitment to Marxism that involves constant reevaluation, critique, and adaptation to changing historical conditions while maintaining a consistent critique of capitalism for the pursuit of social justice.

"Marxism, Modernity, and Postcolonial Studies" argues that Marxism is essential for comprehending and transforming key issues within postcolonial studies, including uneven development, modernity, industrialization, geopolitical tensions, socioeconomic polarization, and other concerns. The essays emphasize the significance of Marxism and its dialectical approach, which recognizes knowledge as contradictory, productive, and influential. This volume contends that Marxism remains crucial for understanding colonial contexts, anticolonial struggles, and the complexities of postcolonialism. Advocating for a Marxist approach to postcolonial studies, the book proves invaluable for those interested in topics such as postcolonial studies, capitalism, nationhood, race, anticolonial movements, and the global capitalist system.