Imperializm, kak vysshai͡a︡ stadii͡a︡ kapitalizma

Lenin's "Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism" is a foundational Marxist analysis that examines how capitalism evolved in the early 20th century from competitive free markets into monopolistic systems dominated by finance capital. Written in 1916 during World War I, Lenin argues that imperialism—the colonial expansion and economic domination by powerful nations—represents capitalism's inevitable final stage, driven by the need for new markets, raw materials, and investment opportunities. He analyzes the concentration of production into monopolies, the merger of bank and industrial capital, and the territorial division of the world among great powers. The work explores key economic and political themes including the export of capital versus commodities, the formation of international cartels, and the relationship between economic power and military conflict. Lenin connects these developments to the outbreak of World War I, positioning imperial rivalries as the natural consequence of advanced capitalist competition. His analysis draws heavily on contemporary economic data and the work of other theorists, making complex arguments about finance capitalism's transformation of global politics. This short but influential treatise became essential reading for understanding Marxist perspectives on global economics, colonialism, and international relations. It appeals to readers interested in political economy, the history of socialist thought, and critical analyses of capitalism's global impact. While rooted in early 20th-century conditions, Lenin's framework continues to influence discussions about economic inequality, corporate power, and neo-colonialism in contemporary debates.