Cedric Robinson, racial capitalism and the return of black radicalism • International Socialism

The terms “black radicalism” and “racial capitalism” have become buzzwords in the revitalised international discussion about race that has arisen in parallel with the Black Lives Matter movement since 2013. Indeed, the idea that capitalism is inherently linked to racism is a common sense among many left-wing activists. Nevertheless, how exactly to understand that link is no settled matter. In a recent seminar on racial capitalism, former Race & Class editor Arun Kundnani said of the concept, “We are still in the process of deciding what we mean by it”. The term has been taken on . . .