MarxistLeninists

Marxist-Leninists are adherents of Marxism-Leninism, an ideology that combines Karl Marx's analysis of capitalism with Vladimir Lenin's theories of party leadership and state power. They emphasize the role of a vanguard party organized through democratic centralism, the dictatorship of the proletariat, and a planned economy aimed at advancing from socialism to communism. In practice, many groups have sought to build centralized, single-party states in which the means of production are owned by the state or cooperatives.

Origin and scope: The framework grew from the Russian Bolshevik movement and was codified in the Soviet Union's early decades, drawing on Lenin's writings and the concept of the revolutionary state. After World War II, several states declared Marxism-Leninism as their official doctrine, while various national movements adapted it to local contexts, producing a range of interpretations, including Maoism in China.

Core tenets: The vanguard party leads the revolutionary transformation; democratic centralism ensures unity of action; the state controls major means of production during the transition, with centralized planning. The long-term goal is the abolition of class society and the creation of communism, though practical implementations have varied widely.

Critique and legacy: Marxist-Leninist regimes have been criticized for centralized power, limitations on political freedoms, and economic inefficiencies, while supporters argue they were necessary to achieve rapid modernization and defend against external threats. By the end of the 20th century many such states dissolved or reformed, though parties and movements continue to advocate Marxist-Leninist principles in various forms.