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bolshevism

(1903- )

Theory of revolutionary action associated with the Bolshevik (Red) Party in Russia under the leadership of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870-1924).

In order to move from capitalism to socialism and eventually to communism, a vanguard party is necessary to lead the working class against the capitalist state.

This party will hold opinions in advance of the class which it leads, and in order to succeed must be organized along military lines of loyalty and command, rather than in a democratic or open manner.

Source:
Neil Harding, Lenin's Political Thought, 2 vols (London, 1977, 1981)

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