The aim of this thesis is to examine how critical points in history, particularly developments in class-struggle, explain the emergence of poststructuralism as an influential, philosophical trend in left political thinking. It aims at highlighting the dynamic relationship between political philosophy, crises, revolution, counter-revolution and political practice. It examines the development of the European left and how defeat of revolutionary movements have resulted in increasing pessimism amongst left intellectuals and their attitude toward ideas of progress. Poststructuralism is here understood as a part of a much broader trend in society - a symptom of capitalist decay, along with the experiences of defeated mass-movements and particularly the decade long dominance of Stalinism. It is analyzed and responded to critically, through the lenses of Marxism.Five analytical hypotheses have been supported, by findings which conclude, first of all, that there are practical and intersecting consequences within political philosophy. Poststructuralism is here both developed as a reaction to Stalinism, but has itself also extended beyond the academic sphere, with very real consequences for social movements and politics. Secondly, it has also been concluded that poststructuralism should be understood in its socio-historical context, particularly as a reaction towards the defeat of the mass-movement in May ´68 in France and the dominance of Stalinism. Moreover, findings also emphasize how the original generation of poststructuralists have been exposed to the Stalinist understanding of the Marxist view of history in one way or another. The result has been that this is the version of historical materialism that they appear to be responding to in various ways, whilst arguing against Marxism.