Maoists

Maoists are adherents of Maoism, a strand of Marxism-Leninism developed from the ideas of Mao Zedong. Maoism emphasizes the role of the peasantry in revolutionary struggle, the need for a protracted people’s war in semi-feudal societies, and the belief that revolution should be led by a vanguard party guided by the mass line. It also stresses continuous upheaval and a transitional period known as New Democracy before achieving socialism.

Historically, Maoism arose from Mao Zedong’s interpretation of Marxism-Leninism during the Chinese revolutionary movement, contributing to the victory of the Communist Party in China and the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949. The theory has since influenced several insurgent and political movements outside China, often favoring rural-based mobilization and guerrilla warfare.

Global influence has been most visible in movements such as the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which waged a long civil conflict in the 1990s and 2000s and later entered mainstream politics, the Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) in Peru, and various Maoist or Maoist-inspired groups within India’s Naxalite movement. In the Philippines, the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing have been described as Maoist-influenced by some observers. The reach and methods of such groups vary, but many pursue armed struggle alongside political organization.

Contemporary assessments of Maoism differ by country. Some groups are designated as terrorist organizations or illegal movements, while others have pursued peace processes or political participation. The label “Maoist” continues to be used to describe a range of movements with differing strategies and outcomes.

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