Sean McMeekin: Don't Whitewash the History of Communism
Feb 12, 2025
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Sean McMeekin, a historian from Bard College and author of "To Overthrow the World," delves into the surprising resurgence of communism as a governing ideology. He discusses the violent history of communism, exploring figures like Stalin and Mao, and critiques the 'whitewashing' of Marx's violent roots. McMeekin also reflects on American attitudes toward communism, the concept of 'permanent revolution,' and how the political landscape today mirrors past ideologies. His insights provoke a reexamination of civil liberties and the enduring appeal of leftist thought.
Sean McMeekin argues that communism, despite its historical violence, continues to resonate with modern audiences, particularly through its promise of enforced equality.
The violent underpinnings of communism, as advocated by Karl Marx, remain crucial in understanding the ideology's appeal and application through history.
Contemporary parallels are drawn between authoritarian practices in modern governance and the repression seen in historical communist regimes, highlighting concerns for civil liberties.
Deep dives
The Resurgence of Communism
The discussion focuses on the claim that communism, despite the collapse of the Soviet Union, is not only alive but potentially expanding as a governing ideology. This assertion comes from Sean McMeekin, who suggests that the ideology's fundamental appeal, especially its emphasis on equality, has proven resilient and adaptable over time. He argues that key figures, such as Stalin and Mao, infused communism with variations that resonated globally, suggesting that communism has always thrived on violence and suppression as means to achieve enforced equality. McMeekin posits that contemporary examples, such as increasing government control during the COVID-19 pandemic, bear resemblance to historical communist practices of subjugation and the management of public discourse, raising concerns about the persistence of authoritarian methods.
The Inherent Violence of Communism
The podcast delves into the violent foundations of communism as outlined by Karl Marx, emphasizing how Marx openly advocated for the use of violence to achieve social equality. Contrary to the more sanitized interpretations of Marx's work, McMeekin illustrates that Marx's vision of a communist society inherently relied on the mechanism of political violence to dismantle existing structures. The conversation highlights historical events, such as the Paris Commune, where Marx not only endorsed but celebrated the bloodshed that accompanied revolutionary fervor. This violent undercurrent remains a central theme in the practice of communism, suggesting that its core ideology cannot exist without the means of coercion and repression.
Innovations of Leninism
Lenin is discussed as a transformative figure who adapted Marxism to the Russian context, introducing the concept of a vanguard party to lead the masses. McMeekin points out that Lenin's theory emphasized professionalism and strategic guidance from a small group of elite revolutionaries rather than spontaneous worker movements. This emphasis on organization and control became critical during the chaotic aftermath of World War I in Russia, as Lenin sought to capitalize on the disorder to establish a communist regime. The podcast further examines how Lenin's worldview perceived war as a potential facilitator of revolution, embodying a willingness to incite conflict for the purpose of advancing communist objectives.
The Evolution of Stalin's Policies
The conversation transitions to Stalin's era, marking significant changes in the implementation of communist doctrine, particularly through policies like the Five-Year Plans. McMeekin discusses how Stalin's administration moved away from the relative leniency of the New Economic Policy, enforcing stricter state control over all aspects of the economy, which ultimately led to widespread famine and suffering. The podcast highlights Stalin's role in expanding the gulag system as a means of instilling fear and eliminating dissent. This shift demonstrates how communism, under Stalin, evolved to prioritize state power and control over the ideals of worker empowerment originally posited by Marx and Lenin.
Perceptions of the Soviet Union in the West
The interaction between the Soviet Union and American progressives is explored, revealing complex attitudes towards communism throughout the 20th century. McMeekin discusses how many American intellectuals and writers initially embraced the Soviet model, viewing it as a bastion of hope for labor rights and equality during the Great Depression. However, as repressive measures intensified within the Soviet state, many in the West began to disillusionment, leading to a fracturing of support among leftist movements. The podcast highlights this tension as Western admirers found themselves grappling with the brutal realities of Soviet communism, often encouraging a re-evaluation of their earlier ideological commitments.
Contemporary Parallels to Historical Communism
The podcast draws parallels between historical communist practices and modern governmental dynamics in the United States, suggesting a disturbing trend towards increasing state control. McMeekin argues that the rise of social media oligarchs and their relations with government entities reflect a growing willingness for surveillance and censorship reminiscent of past communist regimes. He warns that the ongoing struggles over civil liberties during recent crises echo the tactics previously employed by authoritarian government practices, posing a threat to democratic values. Through this analysis, the conversation calls for vigilance and reminders of the importance of protecting civil liberties as political landscapes evolve.
The Soviet Union collapsed at the end of 1991, taking down with it the threat of international communism, right? Today's guest says no, writing that, "Far from dead, Communism as a governing template seems only to be getting started." Sean McMeekin is a historian at Bard College and the author of the mesmerizing book To Overthrow the World: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Communism. Reason's Nick Gillespie talks with him about the history of communism, how its focus on forced equality is inherently violent, and how Josef Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, and others each brought particular flourishes and horrors to its practice.
Gillespie and McMeekin talk about why communism has enduring and resurgent appeal in the West despite its history of violence and economic disaster. "We dodged a certain bullet" with the election of Trump, McMeekin says, but he argues that "whatever party is in power in Washington, I think we always have to jealously guard our civil liberties and we have to just constantly remind ourselves of what our values are and are supposed to be."
1:41 — The enduring appeal of communism 3:55 — The "whitewashing" of Karl Marx's appetite for violence 7:02 — How Vladimir Lenin changed communism 16:38 — American attitudes toward communism 23:44 — Leon Trotsky's idea of "permanent revolution" and Lenin's legacy 28:35 — Violence didn't deter communism's appeal to many 33:33 — The left's flip-flopping on interventionism in World War II 36:54 — Mao, Khmer Rouge, and communism in Asia 45:22 — Western radicals and Maoism 50:27 — Black intellectuals' engagement with communism 57:51 — Is communism making a comeback? 1:06:20 — Does communism still appeal to the young? 1:11:19 — How does Donald Trump map onto all this? 1:16:43 — The politicization of the means of communication
