Decoding Marx: A Journey Through the Modern Revolution with Jared Baxter

Untangle the complex ideas of Marx with us as we journey through history in a captivating conversation with Jared Baxter of Mimbre's School, exploring his course Introduction to Marx and Modern Revolution. In a mind-bending exploration of Marx's early views on social democracy and bourgeois revolutions, we zoom in on the genesis of the modern state and shed light on the distinctions between political and social revolution. We take a deep dive into Marx's paradoxical views on democratic legitimacy, his interpretations of the French Revolution, and his concept of the lumpenproletariat, all while navigating the tensions between democratic and ideological norms.

Not just limited to Marx, this episode bends the curve and takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the radical Jacobin convention of 1793-1794, unearthing crucial historical events that shaped modern society. Moving on to American politics, we offer a fresh perspective on power dynamics, comparing it to what was achievable in the Jacobin convention, and finally landing on universal suffrage elections and how a small group of activists held the reins of power. We also delve into the debate between enlightened despotists and natural aristocratic republicans in the bourgeois revolutions, offering a fresh interpretation of familiar historical narratives.

But that's not all! We face the contradictions head-on with a riveting discussion on Marx's theory of proletarian revolution and the lumpenproletariat, challenging traditional understandings and shedding new light on proletariat identities. We examine how Marx's concept of permanent debt has influenced the rise of bureaucracy and social welfare, and analyze the complexities of his definitions, which have become pervasive in the working poor. As we wrap up this enlightening episode, we reflect on our current political landscape, the potential for revolutionary change today, and how Marx's writings can inform our understanding of it. Join us in this riveting conversation with Jared Baxter as we decode Marx and the modern revolution!

Support the Show.

Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube