Colossus: The Rise and Decline of US Imperialism outlines the rise and relative decline of US imperialism and provides an introduction to Lenin’s classic writings on imperialism and war with modern figures. As revolutionaries organizing in the belly of the beast, it is our duty to study this history and arm ourselves with the theoretical weapons to overthrow capitalism here and around the globe.

Try answering and discussing these questions before and after reading the book:

• Can you give a basic timeline of the rise of US imperialism? Is there anything missing that you have questions about before reading the book?
• What do we mean by the “relative decline” of US imperialism?
• Why do we need to have a theoretical understanding of imperialism?

Part One

What is imperialism?

• How does imperialism primarily exercise its domination over the world?
• What are the features of imperialism outlined by Lenin? What are some examples of each of these?
• Why is it important to understand the class content of imperialism?
• Can you think of an example of the redivision of the world due to the changing balance of forces?
• How does imperialism lay the basis for socialism?

From Colony to Colossus: The Meteoric Rise of US Imperialism

• How did the US go from colony to colossus?
• What role did westward expansion play in the rise of US imperialism?
• What was the significance of the Civil War? Why was it a turning point for US imperialism?
• What was the ideological justification for colonial expansion? What are some modern parallels?
• Originally the Monroe Doctrine was non-interventionist, how was this transformed?
• What was Dollar Diplomacy and how did it differ from earlier imperialist policy?
• What was the process that allowed US imperialism to surpass the British Empire?
• How did WW2 lead to the end of the Great Depression?

The Postwar Boom and the Restoration of Capitalism

• How was the US able to maintain its dominant position while reducing its territorial footprint? What role did institutions like the IMF, the World Bank, and NGOs play in this process?
• What did Trotsky explain about trade unions in the epoch of imperialist decay?
• What were the features of the political and economic situation following the end of WWII? Choose and discuss 2-3 items from the listed excerpt from Will There Be A Slump?
• Despite emerging from WWII as the largest capitalist superpower, US imperialism faced setbacks and limitations. What are some examples at home and abroad?
• What was the impact of the collapse of the Soviet Union and restoration of capitalism in the Soviet bloc?

Imperialism Today: Dynamite in the Foundations

• How did China emerge as an imperialist power? Can you identify some of the features that Lenin outlined in Imperialism?
• What does it mean for Marxists to emphasize the relative decline of US imperialism? What does this look like economically, politically, militarily?
• How does the shifting balance of power between the imperialist nations affect world politics and perspectives today?
• What is the significance of BRICS?
• What is the role of NATO?
• Why is there a rising trend of protectionism policies in the world today?

Imperialism in Latin America and the World Revolution

• How has US imperialism dominated Latin America? How are the US and China struggling for dominance over “America’s backyard”?
• If the US economy benefits from immigrant labor, why does the ruling class whip up anti-immigrant sentiment?
• How can American communists fight imperialism?
• What is the role of American communists in the world revolution?

Part Two: A Marxist Primer on Imperialist War

• What did Lenin mean by the slogan “convert the imperialist war into civil war”?
• During WWI, why did Lenin say the defeat of one’s own ruling class would be the lesser evil?
• Are Marxists against all wars? What is an example of a historically progressive war?
• What are the differences between an inter-imperialist war and an imperialist war of aggression?
• Why did Marxists defend the Soviet Union against imperialist invasion?
• What is the difference between the Marxist position on war and pacifism?
• Why does imperialist peace ultimately lead to imperialist war?
• What tactics did Lenin put forward for communists during WWI?

Part Three: When US Imperialism Invaded Soviet Russia

• Why did so many imperialist powers send military contingents into Russia?
• How did the Red Army fight back politically as well as militarily?
• The US was never officially allied with either side during the Russian Civil War, although in actuality they supported the counterrevolutionary White Army. Can you think of another example of imperialists being dishonest about their military aims or reasons for waging war?
• Why couldn’t the Russian revolution survive in isolation? Why are we internationalists?