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Is China Imperialist? Economy, State, and Insertion in the Global System

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  • Zhongjin Li
  • David M. Kotz

Abstract

According to Marxist theory, imperialism is not a policy pursued by certain states, but rather a structural relation emerging from the dynamics of some modes of production. In the capitalist era the profit and accumulation drive underlies the establishment of imperialist relations. This paper applies historical materialism to analyze the political-economic system in China today to determine the forces that have shaped China’s insertion into the global system. We present evidence that China’s role in other parts of the world does not fit the Marxist concept of imperialism. We argue that the nonimperialist character of China’s external relations stems from China’s particular political economy. JEL Classification: F54, O53, P52

Suggested Citation

  • Zhongjin Li & David M. Kotz, 2021. "Is China Imperialist? Economy, State, and Insertion in the Global System," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 53(4), pages 600-610, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:reorpe:v:53:y:2021:i:4:p:600-610
    DOI: 10.1177/04866134211018868
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Horn, Sebastian & Reinhart, Carmen M. & Trebesch, Christoph, 2021. "China's overseas lending," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    2. Bräutigam, Deborah & Tang, Xiaoyang, 2012. "An overview of Chinese agricultural and rural engagement in Tanzania:," IFPRI discussion papers 1214, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Xiaofang Shen, 2015. "Private Chinese Investment in Africa: Myths and Realities," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 33(1), pages 83-106, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. David M. Kotz, 2023. "Imperialism and the Ukraine War," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 55(4), pages 568-576, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    imperialism; Marxist theory; China; political economy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F54 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - Colonialism; Imperialism; Postcolonialism
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East
    • P52 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Studies of Particular Economies

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