Monthly Review: A Legacy of Independent Socialist Analysis
Founded in the wake of the 1948 U.S. presidential election, Monthly Review has served as a cornerstone of independent socialist thought for over seven decades. Established by intellectuals who sought a platform for Marxist analysis outside of mainstream political structures, the publication has evolved from a small circle of subscribers into a globally recognized voice in political economy and social science.
The magazine is dedicated to exploring communism, socialism, and the complexities of global economics, maintaining a consistent commitment to challenging capitalist frameworks and imperialist policies.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Founded: 1949 in New York City, United States.
- Founding Editors: Paul Sweezy and Leo Huberman.
- Core Focus: Marxism, political economy, and anti-imperialism.
- Associated Press: Monthly Review Press, established in 1951.
- Notable Debut: The first issue featured Albert Einstein's essay "Why Socialism?".
- Current Editor: John Bellamy Foster (since May 2000).
The Establishment and Early Years
The origins of Monthly Review lie in the political disappointment following the failure of Henry A. Wallace's 1948 presidential campaign. F. O. "Matty" Matthiessen, a Christian socialist and literary scholar, provided the initial financial backing, committing $5,000 per year for three years to support a vision shared by Marxist economist Paul Sweezy and author Leo Huberman.
While Matthiessen acted as the angel investor, the editorial direction was steered by Sweezy and Huberman. They were briefly joined by German émigré Otto Nathan, who was pivotal in securing the magazine's first lead piece by Albert Einstein. Another influential figure in the early years was economist Paul Baran, who formed an editorial "troika" with Sweezy and Huberman.
Despite the conservative political climate of the era, the magazine grew rapidly. Starting with just 450 subscribers in 1949, its paid circulation rose to 2,500 by 1950 and reached 6,000 by the mid-1950s.
Navigating the Cold War and the New Left
During the McCarthy period of the 1950s, Monthly Review expanded its intellectual scope. It introduced labor cartoonist Fred Wright and added radical Scott Nearing, who wrote the "World Events" column for nearly two decades. The publication became a hub for left-wing intellectuals, including sociologist C. Wright Mills and historian William Appleman Williams.
The mid-1960s saw a resurgence in radical political theory with the rise of the New Left—a broad movement of activists and intellectuals in North America and Europe. This era pushed Monthly Review's popularity to new heights, with circulation peaking at 11,500 in 1977.
In 1969, Harry Magdoff joined the editorial staff, replacing the late Leo Huberman. Magdoff strengthened the magazine's anti-imperialist and "Third-Worldist" orientation, reflecting the revolutionary fervor in Cuba, China, and Vietnam. During this time, the magazine also maintained a critical distance from state-led communism, condemning the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and the 1981 suppression of the Polish "Solidarity" trade union.
Financial Challenges and Editorial Evolution
The 1980s brought a decline in the American Left, and Monthly Review's circulation dropped back to approximately 8,000. The magazine faced a severe financial crisis in 1983 due to inflation, rising printing costs, and recession. However, an emergency appeal to subscribers raised $100,000, saving the publication from insolvency.
The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a transition in leadership. Ellen Meiksins Wood joined the staff in 1997, followed by Robert McChesney and John Bellamy Foster in 2000. Under Foster's leadership, the magazine has integrated Degrowth theory—an economic strategy emphasizing the reduction of production and consumption to achieve environmental sustainability—into its analysis of capitalism and ecology.
Monthly Review Press
Launched in 1951, Monthly Review Press was created when left-wing journalist I. F. Stone could not find a publisher for The Hidden History of the Korean War. This established the press as a vital outlet for radical literature that mainstream publishers avoided.
Over the decades, the press has published seminal works such as Paul Baran and Paul Sweezy's Monopoly Capital (1966), Eduardo Galeano's Open Veins of Latin America (1973), and various works by Samir Amin and Aimé Césaire. It also serves as the U.S. publisher for the British anthology The Socialist Register.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1949 |
| Location | New York City, USA |
| Frequency | Monthly (Double issue July–August) |
| Key Figures | Paul Sweezy, Leo Huberman, Harry Magdoff, John Bellamy Foster |
| Impact Factor (2023) | 1.0 (Ranked 185th in Political Science) |
| Website | monthlyreview.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Monthly Review?
The magazine was founded in 1949 by Paul Sweezy and Leo Huberman, with initial financial underwriting provided by F. O. "Matty" Matthiessen.
What is the political orientation of the magazine?
Monthly Review is a socialist publication rooted in Marxism and political economy, with a strong emphasis on anti-imperialism and a critique of capitalism.
What is Monthly Review Press?
Established in 1951, it is the publishing arm of the organization, dedicated to printing radical and left-wing books that are often overlooked by commercial publishers.
How has the magazine's focus evolved recently?
In recent years, particularly under editor John Bellamy Foster, the publication has focused heavily on the intersection of socialism and ecology, embracing Degrowth theory.
Did the magazine support the Soviet Union?
While Marxist in orientation, Monthly Review remained independent and critical, notably condemning the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and the crackdown on the Solidarity movement in Poland in 1981.