Re: what does the semi-periphery want?

Richard,

let's say these (see your post below) are some of the "details" which
Professor Wagar encourages us to discuss and let's say we both like the
broad outlines of the book (Spiral). And let's say we both agree that
global-Keynesian or transnational-socialist schemes can only be implemented
if there is mighty pressure from below. No problem with all that. Let's
focus on the role of the semi-periphery as a detail.

I see two problems.
(1) The "Spiral" is, in my opinion, a bit inconsistent on the role of the
semi-periphery. In one part of the book it observes, as a matter of
historical observation, that the world revolutions of the past 200-300 years
were happening when the people/the workers of the core developed widespread
disaffection with the status quo. In another part, it argues, with respect
to the future, that the semi-periphery is the most dynamic zone which may
produce change/restructuring of the world-system. I see an inconsistency
here. Or did I read that incorrectly?

(2) When you observe what is happening in Central and Eastern Europe at
present, you find a tremendous catching-up-with-the-West mentality, in
economics, politics, and even culturally. Poland and Hungary, for example,
are on such a catching-up/hugging-the-West wave, which does not fit the
semi-periphery as the deus-ex-machina or lynchpin thesis.

Actually, I see a third problem:
(3) Let's say the semi-periphery is the most dynamic, change-seeking zone of
the world-system, there is the possibility that such dynamism could turn
into a kind of fascist or Napoleonic path, rather than socialism.

I understand these three points as questions, sort of like a dumb Keynesian
willing to learn something.

(By the way, I thought your "rock the MDGT" a while ago was rather neat.)

Gert



-----Original Message-----
From: Richard N Hutchinson <rhutchin@U.Arizona.EDU>
To: g kohler <gkohler@accglobal.net>
Cc: wsn@csf.colorado.edu <wsn@csf.colorado.edu>
Date: June 26, 2000 8:31 PM
Subject: Re: what does the semi-periphery want? (G15 communique)


>Gert-
>
>In "Spiral" (SCS) the crucial role of the semiperiphery is that it is more
>likely to be the site of (democratic) socialist revolutions, which can
>leverage progressive change at the world level.
>
>So the communique from the current heads of state doesn't bear on B&C-D's
>scenario.
>
>In regard to the various proposals on the list recently for "global
>keynesianism," the problem is that the current Powers That Be won't
>implement any such thing.  Some sort of radical change in the power
>structure will be necessary before any such plan becomes feasible.
>
>SCS presents one such scenario.
>
>RH
>
>
>
>