In this episode, I speak with Marxist writer and economist David McMullen about his political development, from the radical student movement at Monash University in the late 1960s to his later study of economics and Marxist theory. Our discussion centres on his recent publication, Some Forgotten Marxism.

David argues that modern economic development and democracy are essential preconditions for any successful socialist transformation. We discuss the experiences of Russia and China, the failings of the Soviet model, the Cultural Revolution, China’s return to capitalism and the growth of anti-development ideas among today’s pseudo-left.

We also consider contemporary struggles for democracy, the wars in Ukraine and Palestine, the need for a genuine left to reassert internationalism, and the reality of the decline of US imperialism. Despite the defeats and failures of the past, David concludes on a hopeful note: human progress still has a bright future.