Democracy in Karl Kautsky’s theory of ultra-imperialism

Abstract

In the early twentieth century, Karl Kautsky argued that explanations for world disorder stemmed from what bourgeois politics avoided - harmonizing class relations and making states more democratic. He characterized the capitalist bourgeois approach to politics and the world order as a form of exploitation through international cartels and monopolies. He theorized an ultra-imperialist world order where the great powers would work together to deepen their exploitation of the world's resources and working-class labour. In situating Kautsky in the context of the tumult of German politics, this article connects his ultra-imperialist theory with socialist republicanism, the avoidance of revolution, and aspirations for a Society of Nations. It argues that ultra-imperialism was a useful theory since it gave Kautsky a way to theorize how capitalism survives war and a strategy for the SPD to continue pursuing democracy and not revolution.