Synopses & Reviews
Antisystemic Movements is an eloquent and concise history of popular resistance and class struggle by the leading exponents of the "world-systems" perspective on capitalism. Basing itself on an analysis of resistance movements since the emergence of capitalism, it shows that while some early forms were successful in their own terms, ultimately they did not impede the consolidation of the modern capitalist world-system. Taking the year 1968 as a symbolic turning-point, the authors argue that "new" antisystemic movements have arisen which challenge the logic of the capitalist world-system more centrally than ever before. These new movements have a different ethnic and gender composition and different ways of organizing, while their key inspirations show an increasing ability to cross national boundaries. The authors suggest that the new assertiveness of the south, the development of class struggle in the east and the emergence of rainbow coalitions in different world zones might hold out the promise of a future socialist world-system.
Synopsis
Peerless examination of the rise of social movements against the global capitalist system, conducted by the leading exponents of the "world systems" perspective.
Synopsis
Building on an analysis of the dissenting movements to have emerged since the rise of modern capitalism, Anti-Systemic Movements uncovers an international groundswell of resistance still vitally active at the end of the twentieth century. The authors suggest that the new assertiveness of the South, the development of class struggle in the East and the emergence of rainbow coalitions in various regions hold fresh promise for emancipatory politics. Taking the year 1968 as a symbolic turning point, the authors argue that new anti-systemic movements have arisen which challenge the logic of the capitalist world-system.
About the Author
Giovanni Arrighi (1937-2009) was Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University. His books included The Long Twentieth Century and Adam Smith in Beijing, and his work appeared in many publications, including New Left Review.Terence K. Hopkins is the author of The Age of Transition and co-author of Anti-Systemic Movements.Immanuel Wallerstein is director of the Fernand Braudel Center at the State University of New York. His books include a three-volume study, The Modern World-System, Historical Capitalism, and, cowritten with Etienne Balibar, Race, Nation, Class.