MarxistLeninism

Marxism-Leninism is a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century as an interpretation and application of Marxism by Vladimir Lenin. It seeks to establish a communist society through a vanguard party leading a revolution of the proletariat. Key tenets include the need for a disciplined, centralized party to guide the working class, the theory of imperialism as the highest stage of capitalism, and the concept of the dictatorship of the proletariat as a transitional state.

Lenin adapted Marxist theory to suit the conditions of early 20th-century Russia, arguing that a socialist revolution could occur in a less industrialized nation under the leadership of a revolutionary vanguard. This vanguard party, composed of professional revolutionaries, would seize state power and then implement socialist policies, paving the way for communism. Marxism-Leninism emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy and suppressing counter-revolutionary forces during the transition period.

Following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, Marxism-Leninism became the official ideology of the Soviet Union and significantly influenced communist movements worldwide. While proponents view it as a practical and effective roadmap for achieving communism, critics often point to its historical association with authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and economic inefficiencies. The ideology has been subject to various interpretations and modifications by leaders such as Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong, leading to diverse forms of Marxist-Leninist practice.