Capitalism

[Y Chwyldro Comiwnyddol Cymraeg]

How are imperialism and war a direct consiquence of Capitalism?

Iv noticed them both linked by various sources, but how?

[Janus]

Imperialism is the inevitable result of capitalist expansion and its desire for greater control and access to new markets and resources. Warfare usually ensues due to competition and conflict over such resources.

Previous threads:
Capitalism and war (http://www.revleft.com/index.php?showtopic=63393&hl=war*)
Imperialism (http://www.revleft.com/index.php?showtopic=61702&hl=imperialism)

[la-troy]

In my views capitalism requires the cheapest possible labour and the largest possible market. this need will drives them to expand and this expansion is pretty much imperialism. this imperialism may result in retaliation by the people affected by it and also competition between capitalist countries hence wars.

[Lenin II]

War is the most fundamental characteristic of capitalism.

Capitalism prevents people from getting what they need, and the initial motivation for every war ever fought was material in nature. Even the Civil War, which was supposed to be about slavery, had more to do with economics than anything. Kings and emperors have always started wars with the intent of increasing their wealth and had workers shed their blood for their material comfort. The capitalist system is maintained by violence and threat thereof.

The earth is a finite system, so it would seem legit to compete. However, although finite, the earth is more than adequate to satisfy all the worldly needs of humans. There is no need for us to fight over food, water, energy, etc. Which means there really is no need to have wars at all. What really needs to change is the creation, distribution, and utilization of the goods we have now, mostly to make them more sustainable and widely available.