Scholars Gathered to Discuss Marxism and Socialism

    From November 21 to 22, the Second International Symposium on Marx and 21st Century Socialism was held in our university. Experts and scholars from the world gathered together to explore major theoretical and practical issues under the theme of Marx and 21st Century Socialism.

    This symposium aims to explore the thoughts of classical writers of Marxism and combines the academic quality and reality. In-depth discussions were conducted under three separate topics, namely Socialist Ideology of Marxism Classical Writers and Its Current Relevance, Contemporary Socialism Thought and Movement in the World , Theory and Practice of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.

    During the discussion of the first topic, German Professor Eike Kopf, expert of the book die historisch-kritische Marx-Engels-Gesamtausgabe (Complete Works of Marx and Engels in English, or “MEGA2” in short) has affirmed the position of Engels in Marxism and in the history of socialist development, and he believed that many Chinese policies, including the One Belt One Road Initiative were actually continuation of Marx’s Capital in practice. Professor Pham Van Duc, vice dean of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and Professor Ruan Caidong, head of the Institute of Philosophy in Vietnam, introduced Vietnamese socialist market economy and democratic institutions. Japanese Professor Susumu Takenaga explained the publication situation, problems and solutions for MEGA2. Professor Shi Yunxia from Wuhan University expounded the thinking of social community of Marx and Engels, emphasizing that this thinking was of guiding significance for us to realize the Chinese dream.

    During the discussion of the second topic, Researcher Yang Jinhai from the Central Compilation and Translation Bureau believed that China's development has profound effect on the world’s situation, so we should analyze the advantage, characteristics and future of China's current system from the world’s trend and comparative perspective. Professor Wiktor, former Chairman of the Polish Communists Union, pointed out that after many years of exploration and development, China has found its unique way of socialist development.

    During the discussion of the third topic, Dr. Mao Luo, chief editor of the book Capitalism, Nature and Socialism, explained the differences and links between ecological civilization and eco-socialism. Professor John Cottenier from the Belgium Marxism Institute expressed his views on the socialist market economy.