The globalization of the logic of capital constitutes the theoretical premise and practical foundation for understanding the nature of the modern world order and international relations. Centering on nation states and based on an analytical framework of competing state capitalism, Lenin's theory of imperialism describes the complex contradictions in the world political economic structure in the early 20th century and the trend of their transformations. With different interpretative approaches, the theories of imperialism in the 21st century further reveal the structural contradictions and the polarization among subjects of power in the world system dominated by the hegemonic financial capital. They also manifest from different perspectives the hidden real power conflicts underlying the neoliberal international order and system of rights. This paper places the nature and evolution of imperialism since the 20th century into the dynamic structure of the globalization of the logic of capital, and starts from the proposition that “the world market serves as both the precondition and the result of the movement of capital”. In this way, it shows how the possible trend of transcendence can arise from the internal conflicts of the globalization of the logic of capital. Based on the requirement of the new civilization of “building a community with a shared future for mankind”, this paper also illuminates the world-historical significance of advocating and practicing multilateralism and new-type international relations premised upon pacifism.

Editor: Zhong Yao、Zheng Yifan

From:Teaching and Research.2021.No.9.