In this episode, we delve into an analysis of World War II from a unique perspective: the Marxist view presented by Ernest Mandel in his book "The Meaning of the Second World War." Mandel examines the economic roots and deep ideological contradictions that shaped this global conflict, arguing that the war was not simply a struggle between nations or ideologies but a reflection of the crisis of monopolistic capitalism. Through his analysis, Mandel explores how the inherent tensions within the global economic system and the imperialist rivalry for resources and markets exacerbated international conflict.

We will discuss how the author breaks down the dynamics of the war, from the economic interests that fueled it to the social and strategic structures that defined it. We will also explore the fundamental role of armament production and logistics, key elements that determined the course of the conflict. In this work, Mandel emphasizes the essential role of the USSR in the defeat of fascism, while reflecting on the geopolitical consequences of the war, particularly the rise of U.S. hegemony and the onset of the Cold War.

This episode not only offers a review of the book but also includes a reflection on the foreword by Enzo Traverso, who contextualizes the relevance of Mandel's work for understanding 20th-century history and how this conflict transformed the modern world.