Problems of Leninism

In: Historical materialism: research in critical marxist theory, Heft 3, S. 65-72

Abstract

Although V. I. Lenin is viewed as the most important figure in 20th-century Marxism, it is contended that leftist scholars are reluctant to analyze Lenin's contributions to Marxist theory. Simon Clarke's (1998) discussion of the populist origins of Lenin's political thought is perceived as attempting to dissociate Leninism from Marxism by connecting Lenin's philosophy to Georgi Plekhanov's political thought. Clarke's assertion that Plekhanov's thought can be separated from Marxism, accomplished by locating the origins of Plekhanov's notion of dialectical materialism within the thought of L. A. Feuerbach, is strongly rejected. Moreover, it is claimed that Clarke overestimated Plekhanov's influence on Lenin's thought. In addition, Howard Chodos & Colin Hay's (1998) representation of Lenin as a dogmatist with respect to Marxism is questioned. Nevertheless, Chodos & Hay's suggestion that discussions of party organization should involve Leninist thought is supported. 3 References. J. W. Parker