Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism

Interesting Facts

• The book was written in 1916, during the height of World War I, and represents an analysis of the economic and political processes that led to the war.
• Lenin used the works of well-known economists of the time, such as John A. Hobson and Rudolf Hilferding, to substantiate his conclusions about the nature of imperialism.
• One of the key ideas of the book is the assertion that imperialism is an inevitable stage of capitalist development, characterized by the concentration of production and capital, as well as the expansion of monopolies.
• Lenin identifies five main features of imperialism, including the concentration of production and capital, the merging of banking and industrial capital, the export of capital, the formation of international monopolistic alliances, and the territorial division of the world.
• The book played a crucial role in shaping the Marxist theory of imperialism and had a significant influence on communist movements worldwide.
• Lenin argues that imperialism leads to the exacerbation of contradictions between capitalist countries, ultimately resulting in wars and revolutions.
• The work was written under strict censorship conditions, and Lenin used a pseudonym to publish the book abroad.