José Carlos Mariátegui: Che’s precursor

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article notes the origins of the José Carlos Mariátegui inspired socialism and its similarity to and influence on Che Guevara and explores the non-dogmatic socialism of both and their international focus. In doing so it examines the nature of Mariátegui’s open Marxism, seeing it as creative, flexible, socialism that, like Che’s socialism, is well situated in the global struggle and applicable to the changing Latin American reality and beyond. Such Marxism, shared by Che, is contrasted to dogmatic Marxism of orthodox Marxist thinkers and is seen as well adapted to the Latin American reality.