Does Marxism have a role to play in Hong Kong?
Christine Loh says Hong Kong should not dismiss out of hand Marx’s observations about the failings of capitalism simply because of its own sensitivity to mainland influence, but see it as an opportunity to reflect on the role of government in poverty alleviation and development
What does Karl Marx have to do with Hong Kong? The easy answer is “nothing”, because Hong Kong is a capitalist society.
Another answer may be that Marxism today is just shorthand for Beijing to assert party leadership, and there is no need to pay it any attention as Hong Kong is governed by “one country, two systems”.
The manifesto was one of the most influential pieces of writing of the 19th century. Marx’s observations about capitalism’s strengths and weaknesses are still worth reading and his arguments on how to tackle social injustice and poverty should not be overlooked. But can Marxist principles help “to solve the problems facing contemporary China”, as Xi asserts?
Stressing party leadership above all else may not be the only aim behind Xi’s call to study Marx. His critique of capitalism could well have a place in Beijing’s desire to create a new narrative to challenge capitalist, free-market liberal democracies.
