Western Marxism in the Post-Financial Crisis Era: An Interview with Kenneth Surin

Abstract

In this interview, Professor Surin speaks about the latest changes in Western Marxism and the urgent need to solve some immediate and practical problems. He provides the theoretical basis and suggests the way forward for the further development of Western Marxism in the context of the post-financial crisis.

Keywords:

• Western Marxism
• post-financial crisis
• retrospect
• reflection

Notes on Contributors

Kenneth Surin graduated magna cum laude in philosophy from the University of Reading, UK in 1972 and received his PhD in theology and philosophy from University of Birmingham, UK in 1976. He is a professor in the Program in Literature, Department of Religion, PhD Program in German Studies at Duke University, and also co-editor of New Slant, and a member of editorial boards of South Atlantic Quarterly, Minnesota Review, Cultural Logic, Culture Machine, Nepantla. He was chair of the Literature Program, founder and editor of Modern Theology, director of the Duke Center for European Studies, and co-founder of the American Academy of Religion's Critical Theory and Religion Group. His research interest includes continental philosophy, German and French critical theory, Marxist studies, cultural studies, philosophy of religion, globalization theory, culture and science, political theory, sport and culture. His published books include: Freedom Not Yet: Liberation and the Next World Order (2009), The Turnings of Darkness and Light: Essays in Philosophical and Systematic Theology (1989), and Theology and the Problem of Evil (1986).

Shi Yanlin is an assistant professor at the English Department, School of Foreign Languages, Beijing Technology and Business University.