A specter is haunting Europe — the specter of communism. All the powers of old Europe have entered into a holy alliance to exorcise this spectre: Pope and Tsar, Metternich and Guizot, French Radicals and German police-spies. —Karl Marx, The Communist Manifesto
Karl Marx (1818–1883) didn’t just write about economics—he wrote about power, inequality, and the forces that shape society. His most famous work, The Communist Manifesto, co-written with Friedrich Engels in 1848, declared that history was a battle between the rich and the working class. His call to action—“Workers of the world, unite!”—became one of the most famous political slogans in history.
In the 2020s, Marx's ideas are experiencing a revival, and it’s not just because of dusty old textbooks. With rising wealth inequality, labor strikes, and economic instability, many people see his critiques of capitalism as more relevant than ever. The rapid rise of automation, gig work, and corporate power has sparked fresh interest in his theories. Whether it’s social media debates, university classrooms, or political protests, Marx’s name keeps showing up. A sidenote, I lived in Russia on Karl Marx Street, a main boulevard in most Russian cities.
Key Ideas That Keep Marx in the Spotlight
- Class Struggle – Marx argued that history is shaped by conflicts between the ruling elite (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). Many see today’s wealth gaps as proof of this ongoing struggle.
- Exploitation of Labor – He claimed that capitalists profit by paying workers less than the value they produce. The rise of low-wage jobs, corporate layoffs, and wage stagnation keeps this argument alive.
- Alienation – Marx believed that under capitalism, workers become disconnected from their labor, their products, and even themselves. Many today find this idea eerily relatable, especially in an age of burnout and automation.
- Revolutionary Change – He predicted that capitalism would eventually collapse and be replaced by a more equitable system. While full-scale revolutions haven’t swept the world, economic crises have kept his theories in the public eye.
Despite his critics—and there are many—Marx’s ideas continue to inspire political movements, economic theories, and social activism. Whether he was a prophet of inevitable revolution or simply a sharp observer of capitalism’s flaws, his influence refuses to die. Love him or hate him, Karl Marx remains one of the most talked-about thinkers of the modern age.
And in the 2020s, his ghost is still haunting capitalism.