LEFT COMMUNISM Meaning and
Definition
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Left communism refers to a political ideology and movement that emerged within the communist tradition during the early 20th century. It encompasses a range of radical tendencies that critique and oppose both reformist and authoritarian strains of Marxism-Leninism. Left communists view these deviations as betrayals of the original Marxist principles and seek to restore what they perceive as the true essence of communism.
At its core, left communism rejects the notion of a vanguard party leading the revolution on behalf of the working class. Instead, it emphasizes the self-activity and self-organization of the proletariat, advocating for a directly democratic society without the need for a transitional state. Left communists argue that the traditional Leninist approach perpetuates patterns of domination and hierarchy, hindering the emancipation and empowerment of the working class.
Left communism also criticizes state-controlled economies as a form of state capitalism, undoubtedly different from the envisioned goal of a stateless and classless society. Instead, they promote the idea of workers' councils, which are seen as the primary organizational units of a future socialist society. These councils allow for direct decision-making by the workers themselves, thus fostering genuine proletarian control over their own lives and production.
In terms of international politics, left communists reject both imperialism and nationalism. They advocate for international solidarity among the working class, aiming to abolish global capitalist relations altogether. Left communism is often considered an ultra-left tendency within the broader communist movement, as it emphasizes the radical nature of proletarian struggle and revolution.
Etymology of LEFT COMMUNISM
The etymology of the term "left communism" can be traced back to the early 20th century during the era of the Russian Revolution. The term emerged as a way to describe certain groups and individuals who criticized the policies and strategies of mainstream communist parties, particularly the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin.
The word "left" here refers to being positioned on the radical or extreme end of the political spectrum. In Marxist theory, the left generally signifies a more revolutionary or anti-establishment position. "Communism" refers to the political ideology advocating for a classless society, common ownership of the means of production, and the elimination of capitalism.
Left communists, also known as council communists or ultra-leftists, opposed the centralized and authoritarian nature of the Soviet Union under Lenin and later Joseph Stalin. They argued that the Bolsheviks abandoned the principles of workers' self-organization and direct democracy, and instead established a bureaucratic regime.
