ABSTRACT
In defending the propositions of classical Marxism, it is necessary to isolate those things that contemporary Marxism either ignores or deflects. What appears as an exercise in theory building might be more accurately described as a return to an already vibrant theory. What is important, however, is that a new and innovative approach to Marxist theory and practice be advanced that will provoke debate and reinforce the relevance of Marxism within those debates.
A discussion is advanced of those ideological perspectives that trace their beginnings to Marxism and of the ideological disputation and divergence that has affected Marxism for much of the last century and into the 21st century. Next, an overview of state development from contending perspectives and of the state’s relationship with capitalism is given. This becomes especially significant as crisis and contradiction within capitalism becomes more acute. The diverse reactions to globalisation highlight the fragmented and divergent ideological perspectives that exist within Marxism. A crisis has marked Marxism’s trajectory for a century and must be addressed, as Marxism remains central to the task of combatting capitalism.
