The centrality of Africa in Lenin’s theory of imperialism

Abstract

ABSTRACT Lenin’s Marxist theories have aided both African anti-imperialist struggles and the study of African political economy. Recently, however, some scholars have reinvigorated the postcolonial critique of Marxism as a Eurocentric doctrine, one that misunderstands and marginalises Africa and its peoples. Following Cedric Robinson, several analysts mention Lenin alongside Marx and Engels as a founder of Eurocentric Marxism. This article, by contrast, argues that Lenin displayed a deep concern for Africa, one that was fundamentally non-Eurocentric. Lenin researched Africa extensively in his Notebooks on imperialism. Upon the basis of this research, Lenin placed Africa at the centre of his analysis in Imperialism: the highest stage of capitalism. It is impossible to understand the insights of Lenin’s theory of imperialism without appreciating Africa’s centrality within it. Although Lenin displayed the racist views of Africa that dominated his era, these were marginal in his thought. Lenin militantly opposed colonialism and supported African independence.