Research On Eric J. Hobsbawm’s Socialist Thought

Eric J.Hobsbawm(1917-2012)was a world-renowned Marxist historian,an important representative of the British ’neo-Marxist’ school,and a committed communist scholar.As a historian,Hobsbawm always adhered to the basic principles of the materialist conception of history,studying and analysing the history of capitalism and socialism,and providing a comprehensive analysis of the achievements and problems brought about by capitalism,both affirming its historical achievements and criticising its problems.At the same time,his study of the development of socialism,especially the practice of socialist development in the twentieth century,has produced some of his own reflections on socialism,which constitute his unique socialist thinking.This paper sorts out Hobsbawm’s socialist thought as a whole,comprehensively explores its main contents and spiritual essence,and on this basis contrasts and analyses its inheritance and development of scientific socialist thought,exploring its significance for socialism with Chinese characteristics and even for the theory and practice of socialism in the world.Following this basic idea,this thesis is divided into five main parts.The first introductory chapter explains the purpose and significance of the chosen topic,the current situation of research on Hobsbawm’s socialist thought at home and abroad,the research ideas,research methods,research highlights and innovations of this thesis,etc.The second chapter examines the conditions for the formation and development of Hobsbawm’s socialist thought.Hobsbawm was in the 20th century and experienced the historical changes from war and revolution to the era of peace,witnessing the historical development and changes of capitalism and socialism,and it was this background of the times that contributed to the formation and development of Hobsbawm’s socialist ideology.In terms of theoretical foundation,his socialist ideas are mainly derived from the socialist ideas of Marx and Engels,Lukacs’ theory of class consciousness,Gramsci’s socialist ideas and the British tradition of academic thought.Chapter 3 then focuses on the main elements of Hobsbawm’s socialist thought.The first includes his critical analysis of the emergence and development of capitalist society and the problems that exist.Secondly,there is his study of the essential meaning of socialism,the subjects of the movement,and the goals to be achieved.Finally,there is his examination and analysis of the practice of the world socialist movement.The fourth chapter focuses on the theoretical value and inspiration of Hobsbawm’s socialist thought.It enriches socialist thought,mainly by enriching and developing the theory of imperialism and Gramsci’s theory of the "organic intelligentsia".The inspiration for the world socialist movement lies in its insistence on linking theory with practice,exploring the path of nationalized revolution and construction,and formulating correct strategies to unite all progressive forces.The main inspirations for the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics include adhering to the guiding ideology of Marxism and firmly grasping the leadership of ideology;adhering to the leadership of the Communist Party of China and closely liaising with the people;and the need for socialist reforms to adhere to the socialist direction.The final part is the concluding section,which is based on a general summary of the whole text,outlining the characteristics presented by socialism in the world today,and thus showing the vitality of Hobsbawm’s socialist ideas in contemporary times and reflecting their ideological importance.In conclusion,this paper examines Hobsbawm’s socialist ideas from a historical and logical perspective,and attempts to develop a systematic understanding of his socialist ideas and to explore their contemporary significance and value.