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A Forgotten Protagonist of European Communism: Franz Marek and the Transnational Communist Debate
Ruzicic-Kessler, Karlo
2019
Abstract
This article provides an analysis of the relations and influences between a forgotten protagonist of transnational communism in the twentieth century, the Austrian Franz Marek, and the Italian Communist Party (PCI). By tracing these very relations, it is possible to understand the importance of transnational political and intellectual networks for the international communist movement. Focusing on the period ranging from 1945 to Marek’s death in 1979, the article interprets the importance of Marek as a Marxist intellectual and political figure in Europe. From his prominent role in the Austrian Communist Party, to his engagement in theoretical discussions, Marek’s life was that of a fervent Marxist. Whether as a political interlocutor or Marxist philosopher and theorist, in both cases the PCI was interested in the words of Franz Marek and fascinated by his theoretical thoughts. His studies of Gramsci were the proverbial cherry on the cake. Not only did he not become an outlaw when ousted from the Austrian Communist Party in 1970, the exchange continued to intensify, and he was involved to some extent in all theoretical discussions of the PCI, even though this posed a problem for many a brother party.
Publisher
EUT Edizioni Università di Trieste
Source
Karlo Ruzicic-Kessler, "A Forgotten Protagonist of European Communism: Franz Marek and the Transnational Communist Debate" in: "Qualestoria. Rivista di storia contemporanea. Anno XLVII, N.ro 1, Giugno 2019. Il comunismo nell’area Alpe-Adria Protagonisti, miti, demifisticazioni ", Trieste, EUT Edizioni Università di Trieste, 2019, pp. 72-93
Languages
it
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internazionale
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