Antirevisionism

Antirevisionism is a stance within Marxist-Leninist thought that opposes what it defines as "revisionism." Revisionism, in this context, refers to the perceived alteration or abandonment of core Marxist-Leninist principles, particularly regarding class struggle, the dictatorship of the proletariat, and the necessity of revolution. Antirevisionists view such changes as deviations that weaken the revolutionary potential of communist parties and the ultimate goal of achieving a classless society.

The term "revisionism" itself gained prominence in the late 19th century with Eduard Bernstein's critique of Marxist orthodoxy, arguing for a gradual, reformist path to socialism. While Bernstein is often labeled a revisionist, the term has been applied more broadly by antirevisionists to various factions and ideologies that they believe have compromised or betrayed Marxist-Leninist fundamentals.

Key figures and movements often identified as antirevisionist include Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, and their followers, as well as later groups that explicitly aligned themselves against perceived revisionist tendencies within the international communist movement. Antirevisionists emphasize the importance of maintaining ideological purity, adhering to dialectical materialism, and upholding the vanguard role of the communist party. They often criticize policies and theories that they believe prioritize national interests over international solidarity, compromise with capitalist forces, or downplay the role of the state in achieving socialism. The debate between revisionism and antirevisionism has been a significant factor in shaping the history and divisions within various communist parties and international communist organizations.