This study attempts to find out in which direction global power distribution is shifting and whether or not we are justified to use “social class” and “class struggle” as explanatory concepts to understand the structure of our globalizing society. This is expected to shed light on the chances we have to build a democratic, ecologically sustainable and socially just world society. The paper raises, and explores to some extent, four questions: (1) Can the concept of social class as developed by Marxist scholars, be helpful in understanding the present formation of a new global power structure? What insights would it open? (2) How did the neo-conservative offensive help the global ruling class to evolve? (3) Does the global ruling class develop some sort of class consciousness? (4) If so: What are the means used by the global ruling class in the class struggle? (5) What are likely consequences for the future?
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At first glance, everyday life seems not to have changed in Istanbul. The streets are congested; people hurry to the ferry or the bus. For weeks, there has been no terror attack. Nevertheless, there are some visible changes. There are much more policemen in the streets. In some days, the Istiklal Caddesi, the main shopping street on the European side, seems to be under a state of siege. At every street corner, there is police van with the blue light switched on.
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