سرمایه‌داری و نسل‌کشی ساختاری

by Garry Leech, پویان فرد (Translator)

مترجم کتاب:
هم‌اکنون که این کتاب منتشر می‌شود، هزاران نفر جان خود را به‌‌دلیل بیماریِ ناشی از ویروس کرونا از دست داده‌اند، درصورتی‌که روزانه در جهان بیست و دو هزار کودک زیر پنج سال به‌دلیل گرسنگی و بیماری‌های قابل پیش‌گیری جان خود را از دست می‌دهند. واقعیتی که ناشی از ویروس نظام‌ سرمایه‌داری، ویروس سود، ویروس بازار آزاد، ویروس نئولیبرالیسم و تمامی ویروس‌های وضعیت موجود جهانی است.
ـ فروردین 1399

Genres: Nonfiction, Economics, Politics

254 pages, Unknown Binding

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

Garry Leech is an independent journalist and author whose work is rooted in the global struggle for social justice. He also teaches international politics at Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Reviews

[Samuel Atta-Amponsah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In a world where terrible things often occur, it's common for both liberals and conservatives to argue that famine, plague, and war are inherent, tragic but inevitable aspects of human existence. They contend that poverty, illness, hunger, and premature death are a persistent part of the human condition.

However, Garry Leech presents a contrasting viewpoint in his book, "Capitalism: A Structural Genocide." He asserts that "structural violence" is an intrinsic component of the capitalist system and that it leads to deaths on a genocidal scale, particularly affecting the impoverished, especially in the global south. Leech defines structural violence as harm to individuals resulting from the denial of their basic needs due to existing social structures. This includes, for example, hunger and disease caused by the high cost or restricted access to food and medicine for profit-driven reasons. When such violence results in significant loss of life, Leech contends that it should be labeled as "structural genocide."

The core of "Capitalism: A Structural Genocide" consists of a series of case studies and analyses that illustrate how capitalism, by its very nature, deprives hundreds of millions of people of life's essentials. For example, every three seconds, a preventable disease or hunger claims the life of a child, while, during the same three seconds, military organizations spend $120,000 on weaponry. Leech argues that this choice to prioritize guns over food and medicine may seem irrational from a humanitarian perspective, but it aligns perfectly with a system focused on preserving an inequality of power and wealth that prioritizes capital over the well-being of the majority of people and the environment.

Leech estimates that over 10 million people die each year due to capitalism's structural genocide. His accounts of structural violence in Mexico, India, and sub-Saharan Africa are compelling and deeply distressing, leaving little room for doubt that the responsible system must be dismantled.

But what is the alternative? Unlike many books that merely expose social issues, Leech offers a compelling case for the socialist alternative, not just in theory but by providing valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to establish "21st century ecosocialism" in Cuba, Venezuela, and Bolivia. He acknowledges the substantial challenges these countries face but remains optimistic about their endeavors to create a social system that prioritizes production for the benefit of all over production for profit.

While "Capitalism: A Structural Genocide" is a powerful book, some might question the utility of terms like "structural violence" and "structural genocide" in the anti-capitalist discourse. These terms may be interpreted as meaning something less severe than real violence and genocide. Nevertheless, as Leech convincingly demonstrates, there is nothing fictitious about capitalism's destructive nature.

In summary, "Capitalism: A Structural Genocide" is a valuable and insightful contribution to the ongoing discussions surrounding the impact of capitalism on human well-being and the pursuit of alternative social systems."

[John Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant insight into the nature of the dominance of Capital in the modern world, with examples and suggestions for a different way in the future, again with some examples that are showing the way forward.

[Julien Da cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The démonstration is well structured but uses too many quotes and references.

The author gives an excellent analysis of the current situation and alternatives...

[Carmen von Rohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repetitive, but plenty of great research packed in and the argument is solid. Highly recommended.

[Paulie Red · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good for the historical portions, but maoist/third worldist/all over the place politicially