Introduction What is happening in the United States and Europe today is as a result of capitalism. Such aspects as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization best explain the imperialism in the modern world. The following essay examines the analysis by Ilyich Lenin on imperialism as the highest stage of capitalism. Lenin, in his most famous work on capitalism, held the view that imperialism dates back in the early twentieth century. In its economic essence, Lenin defined imperialism as the monopoly stage of capitalism. This definition provided him with an opportunity of situating imperialism historically i.e. it allowed him to determine the place of imperialism in history. He held the view that monopoly developed as a result of free competition (Lenin 12). He was also of the opinion that free competition enhanced the transition of the capitalist system to a higher socio-economic order. According to him, imperialism acted as a tool for competing between empires by making war as part and parcel of the crucial process of capital accumulation (Lenin 119). Discussion The following are the five main features of imperialism according to Lenin; Lenin argues that both the capital and production has led to the creation of monopolies which bring conditions which restrict entry of new industries. These monopolies determine the manner in which economies are run. Lenin argues that over the years, industries have enormously developed and production has been concentrated on only a few industries. He gives examples of Europe and the United States of America as regions where production and capital have been vested on only a few enterprises.In Germany, Lenin notes that more attention is directed towards production and not labor. For instance, only a few industries are the largest consumer of electric and steam power. However, these industries employ only a few workers (Lenin 15). In the United States, industries are classified in accordance with their output. He noted that a large percentage of the total production in the United States is carried on by only a few enterprises. Thus, concentration paved way for the development of monopolies because the giant companies have the potential of controlling the prices of goods and services. According to Lenin, monopolies play a crucial role in today’s capitalist economy as they are associated with a high rate of economic growth. He was insistent on monopoly as the most important feature of imperialism. According to him, monopoly is inherent as it enhances the efficient utilization of natural resources. He thus emphasizes that people should embrace it because it is an important phenomena. However, he cautions people against the effects of monopolies. He argues that monopolies prevent competition in the industry by using such techniques as spreading false rumors concerning the industry and publishing anonymous warnings in the print media. Monopoly, according to him, has the effect of causing economic crisis. Lenin also argues that monopoly has the effect of dividing the world by creating imperial powers (Pauly 149). Lenin, in his analysis on imperialism as the highest stage of capitalism, stated that the integration of bank capital with the industrial capital facili