Marxism–Leninism

Marxism-Leninism is a political ideology and a variant of Marxism that was developed by Vladimir Lenin, a Russian revolutionary and the leader of the Bolshevik Party. It combines the original ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels with Lenin’s own contributions and interpretations, particularly in the context of organizing and leading a socialist revolution.

Key features and principles of Marxism-Leninism include:

1. Vanguard Party: Marxism-Leninism emphasizes the need for a disciplined and highly organized vanguard party of professional revolutionaries to lead the working class in its struggle for socialism. The party acts as the “vanguard” or forefront of the working class, leading the revolution and guiding the masses towards a classless society.
2. Imperialism: Lenin expanded on Marx’s analysis of capitalism, particularly in the context of imperialism. He argued that capitalism’s development into a global system resulted in the domination of imperialist powers over colonies and dependent countries. Lenin saw imperialism as the highest stage of capitalism, leading to exploitative relations between advanced and underdeveloped nations.
3. Dictatorship of the Proletariat: Following Marx’s ideas, Marxism-Leninism advocates for the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat after a successful socialist revolution. The dictatorship of the proletariat is seen as a transitional phase in which the working class exercises political power and begins the process of transforming society towards communism.
4. National Liberation: Lenin’s theory of national liberation emphasized the right of oppressed nations to self-determination and independence. Marxism-Leninism recognizes the importance of national struggles against colonial and imperialist domination and supports the right of oppressed nations to break free from colonial rule.
5. Socialism: Marxism-Leninism advocates for the establishment of a socialist society, characterized by public ownership of the means of production, planned economy, and distribution based on needs. It aims to eliminate capitalist exploitation and class divisions.
6. Democratic Centralism: Democratic centralism is a principle of organization within the vanguard party, where decisions are made democratically at all levels, but once a decision is reached, it must be followed by all members of the party.

Marxism-Leninism became the dominant ideology in the Soviet Union after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, and it also influenced various other communist parties and socialist movements worldwide. It was later adapted and modified in different contexts, leading to various interpretations and strains of communist thought.

Critics of Marxism-Leninism often raise concerns about its emphasis on centralized control, the concentration of power in the hands of the vanguard party, and the suppression of political opposition. Despite criticisms, Marxism-Leninism has had a significant impact on world history, shaping the course of revolutionary movements and influencing political debates in the 20th century.