New-Imperialist Countries

The concept of new-imperialist countries emerges from the Marxist-Leninist tradition, rooted in Vladimir Lenin’s work, Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism. Lenin described imperialism as the monopoly stage of capitalism, marked by the dominance of finance capital and monopolies, the export of capital (rather than commodities), and the division of the world among competing capitalist powers.

Building on Lenin’s theory, the Marxist-Leninist Party of Germany developed an updated concept in the 21st century. Their 2011 publication "Dawn of the International Socialist Revolution" and Stefan Engel’s 2017 analysis "On the Emergence of the New-Imperialist Countries" systematically advanced the idea that imperialism had evolved beyond its traditional Western core.

Definition & Key Characteristics

New-imperialist countries are states that were formerly oppressed or semi-colonial but have since developed robust state-monopoly capitalism. Rather than remaining subordinate economies, these nations now participate independently in the global imperialist system.

Key Features

• Interpenetration of domestic monopolies with global finance capital

• Transition from neocolonial dependence to imperialist independence

• Aggressive export of capital, influence, and their own monopolies

• Active participation in global exploitation and geopolitical competition

These powers have shifted from being mere victims of imperialism to agents of imperialist exploitation, often within their regional spheres and beyond.

Examples of New-Imperialist Countries

The theory identifies several countries as having graduated to new-imperialist status:

• Russia (Resurgent imperialist ambitions, energy monopolies, military interventions)

• China (Dominant exporter of capital, powerful monopolies, global assertiveness)

• India (Regional dominance, capital export, emerging monopolist class)

These are the biggest of the new-imperialist countries, these states are especially active in pursuing imperialist interests, frequently clashing with established Western powers and reshaping global alliances. Some other new-imperialist countries are Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Argentina, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Israel and Iran.

Criticisms

Some people argue that the theory of new-imperialist countries is a revisionist trend, since it categories China and Russia as Imperialist countries.

Further Reading

• "On the Emergence of the New-Imperialist Countries" -Stefan Engel

• "Dawn of the International Socialist Revolution" -Stefan Engel