Includes bibliographical references (pages 263-269) and index.

Introduction: The three phases of Marxist imperialism theory -- Imperialism as aberration: The reformists: Hobson, Hilferding and Kautsky -- Imperialism as unavoidable consequence of capitalist development: The Revolutionaries: Luxemburg, Bukharin, and Lenin -- Paul Sweezy and Paul Baran: The founders of Neo-Marxist imperialism theory -- Andre Gunder Frank: Underdevelopment, dependency and disenchantment -- Immanuel Wallerstein and the modern world system: Hegemony and the long wave cycles of capitalism -- Samir Amin: A bridge from Neo-Marxism to 'Globalisation-era' Marxist theorising -- Empire according to Hardt and Negri -- The big Three: Globalisation, empire, state and the third phase of Marxist Imperialism theory.

For Marxists, imperialism is the highest stage of capitalism. Critical analysis of imperialism has been a feature of Marxist throughout the twentieth century. The conceptualising and theorising of imperialism by Marxists has evolved over time in response to developments in the global capitalist economy and in international politics. Murray Noonan here provides the first complete analysis of Marxist theories of imperialism in over two decades. Presenting three phases of imperialist theories, he analyses and compares 'Classical', 'Neo' and 'Globalisation-era' Marxist theories of imperialism. The book moves chronologically, tracking the origins of imperialism theorised by J.A. Hobson at the beginning of the twentieth century up to the present day. He critically identifies and engages with a new 'Globalisation-era' phase of Marxist imperialism theory. Through a detailed scholarly analysis of the history and evolution of these theories, Noonan offers vital new perspectives on imperialist theory and its relevance and application in the twenty-first century.--