Imperialism: In Tribute to Harry Magdoff

A discussion of contemporary imperialism from a left perspective draws on the thought of Harry Magdoff. Identified are the structural elements of imperialism, which is seen to take different forms in different stages of capitalist development & shares characteristics with the imperium of ancient empires. These elements are contrasted with the mainstream economic perspective on free market exchange, taking issue with the idea that free trade would have been a more cost-effective policy in prior periods of imperialist expansion. The 21st-century form of imperialism is seen to center on neoliberal globalization, & is also seen to provide a conceptual frame for a counterhegemonic interpretation on which to build opposition. Adapted from the source document.