Explore Lenin's revolutionary theories in a deep dive into his work 'What Is to Be Done?'. The discussion critiques economism and the need for a disciplined vanguard party to lead the proletariat. Learn about the importance of strategic media in today's leftist movements and how historical examples, like the Black Panther Party, inform contemporary activism. The hosts emphasize the balance of ideological struggle and grassroots organizing, calling for a cohesive revolutionary framework to effectively challenge capitalism today.
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insights INSIGHT
Critique of "Freedom of Criticism"
Lenin argues that "freedom of criticism" can be used to attack core tenets of socialism.
Opportunists present bourgeois critiques of Marxism as proletarian, weakening the movement.
insights INSIGHT
Economism's Flaw: Spontaneity
Economism prioritizes economic struggles, neglecting political and theoretical ones.
Lenin argues that this "bowing down to spontaneity" allows bourgeois ideology to dominate.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Build a Party, Train Revolutionaries
Build a centralized, disciplined party to focus proletarian energy.
Train professional revolutionaries dedicated to advancing the class struggle.
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Joseph Stalin's "Foundations of Leninism" systematically explains Lenin's theories, providing a framework for understanding Marxism in the era of imperialism and proletarian revolution. The book analyzes key concepts like the dictatorship of the proletariat, the role of the peasantry, and the importance of a revolutionary party. It critiques the Second International's opportunism and emphasizes the need for a militant, revolutionary approach to achieve socialism. Stalin's work became a foundational text for Marxist-Leninist movements globally, shaping their strategies and interpretations of Lenin's legacy. Its enduring relevance lies in its analysis of imperialism, class struggle, and the complexities of revolutionary transformation.
Reform or Revolution
Reform or Revolution
Rosa Luxemburg
What Is to Be Done?
Michael R. Katz
William G. Wagner
Nikolai Chernyshevsky
Written in 1863 by Nikolai Chernyshevsky, 'What Is to Be Done?' is a novel that had a significant influence on Russian revolutionary thought. The story follows Viéra Pavlovna, a young woman who seeks economic independence and starts a cooperative workshop for seamstresses. The novel promotes the creation of small socialist cooperatives, advocates for women's rights, and critiques the patriarchal and authoritarian structures of Russian society. It was written in response to Ivan Turgenev's 'Fathers and Sons' and played a central role in polarizing the Russian intelligentsia between radical and liberal reformers. The novel's impact was so profound that it contributed to the conflicts leading up to the Russian Revolution[1][2][5].
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Apr 20, 2019
What is to be Done? is a classic work on the role and organisation of the revolutionary party in the communist movement. Lenin criticises economism, revisionism and spontaneity, and argues persuasively for a centralised and professional vanguard of the proletariat.
On this episode of Red Menace Alyson and Breht explain and reflect on the text, and then extract the core lessons for revolutionaries today.
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