Enumerate the core assumptions of the Marxist approach to international relations.

The Marxist approach to international relations is grounded in the broader Marxist theory, emphasizing the role of socio-economic structures, class relations, and historical materialism in shaping global politics. The core assumptions of the Marxist approach to international relations can be enumerated as follows:

1. Historical Materialism:
At the heart of the Marxist approach is the concept of historical materialism. Marxists assert that the development of societies and their international relations is fundamentally determined by the material conditions of production, such as technology, economic systems, and modes of production. Changes in these material conditions drive historical transformations.

2. Class Struggle and Social Relations:
Marxists argue that international relations are deeply influenced by class struggle, both within and between states. The division of societies into social classes, particularly the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), is a key determinant of power dynamics and conflict on the global stage.

3. Capitalism and Imperialism:
Marxists view capitalism as a driving force behind imperialism. The quest for profit and the accumulation of capital lead to the expansion of capitalist powers into other regions, resulting in imperialist endeavors. Economic exploitation, resource extraction, and the establishment of markets in other nations are seen as integral to the capitalist system.

4. Economic Determinism:
The Marxist approach assumes a strong economic determinism in shaping international relations. Economic structures, including the global capitalist system, are believed to exert a significant influence on political and social phenomena at both the national and international levels.

5. Critique of State:
Marxists offer a critical perspective on the state, viewing it as an instrument of the ruling class to maintain control and protect capitalist interests. The state's foreign policy, in this view, is an extension of the economic interests of the ruling class, serving to perpetuate the existing socio-economic order.

6. Unequal Development and Dependency:
The Marxist approach emphasizes the uneven and combined development of capitalism globally. Some states, due to historical processes and imperialist exploitation, become more developed and powerful than others. This leads to relations of dependency, with less developed nations serving the economic interests of the more powerful ones.

7. Revolutionary Change:
Marxists argue that fundamental change in international relations can only be achieved through revolutionary transformations at the domestic level. The overthrow of capitalist systems and the establishment of socialist societies are seen as prerequisites for a genuinely equitable and just global order.

8. International Working-Class Solidarity:
The Marxist approach encourages international working-class solidarity. Marxists argue that the interests of the working class transcend national borders, and they advocate for cooperation among the proletariat globally to challenge capitalist exploitation and imperialism.

In summary, the Marxist approach to international relations is characterized by its emphasis on historical materialism, class struggle, and the critique of capitalism. It provides a structural analysis of global power relations, highlighting the economic determinants that shape the behavior of states and the dynamics of international politics.