entrisme

Entrisme is a political tactic where members of a revolutionary organization join a larger, more established political party with the aim of influencing it from within and potentially radicalizing its membership. The term originates from the French word "entrer," meaning to enter. This strategy is typically employed by smaller, more radical groups who believe they lack the independent strength to achieve their goals through direct action or by forming their own mass movement.

The core idea behind entrisme is to infiltrate a party that has a significant following, often a social democratic or reformist party, and then work to shift its ideology and policies towards a more revolutionary or radical agenda. This can involve holding positions within the party structure, participating in internal debates, and attempting to win over existing members. Proponents of entrisme argue that it allows them to reach a wider audience and gain influence that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Critics of entrisme often point to the risks involved, such as the possibility of the infiltrators being absorbed by the larger party's culture and moderating their own views, or the risk of being expelled if their true intentions are discovered. There is also the concern that entrisme can be seen as a deceptive practice, undermining the democratic processes of the party being infiltrated. The effectiveness of entrisme has been debated throughout history, with varying degrees of success and failure documented in different political contexts.