Trotskyism

Definition

Trotskyism is a Marxist ideology based on the ideas of Leon Trotsky, which advocates for the theory of permanent revolution and critiques the bureaucratic degeneration of the Soviet state under Joseph Stalin. This ideology emphasizes the need for an international revolution and opposes the idea of socialism in one country, arguing that true socialism can only be achieved through a worldwide workers' uprising.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trotskyism arose in opposition to Stalinism, particularly criticizing the bureaucratic nature of the Soviet government after Lenin's death.
2. Trotsky proposed the idea of 'permanent revolution,' which argued that a successful socialist movement must not stop at national boundaries but must spread globally.
3. Trotskyists often emphasize the importance of democracy within the socialist movement, advocating for workers' control and opposition to authoritarian regimes.
4. The Trotskyist movement has led to various factions and parties worldwide, each interpreting Trotsky's ideas differently while maintaining a critique of Stalinist policies.
5. Leon Trotsky was ultimately expelled from the Soviet Union in 1929 and assassinated in 1940, but his ideas have continued to influence leftist movements around the world.

Review Questions

• How does Trotskyism differ from Stalinism in terms of revolutionary strategy?
  • Trotskyism fundamentally differs from Stalinism by advocating for the theory of permanent revolution, which insists that socialist revolutions should spread internationally rather than being contained within one country. While Stalinism promotes socialism in one country, suggesting that a single nation can develop socialism independently, Trotskyists argue that true socialism requires global support and solidarity among workers. This difference highlights the contrasting approaches to achieving and maintaining socialist governance.
• Discuss the impact of Trotskyism on leftist movements globally and how it has influenced critiques of authoritarian socialism.
  • Trotskyism has significantly impacted leftist movements worldwide by providing a framework for critiquing authoritarian practices in socialist states. Many leftist groups have adopted Trotsky's emphasis on democracy and workers' control as central tenets, positioning themselves against bureaucratic regimes that resemble Stalin's Soviet Union. This ideological stance has led to the formation of various Trotskyist parties that continue to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for international revolutionary action.
• Evaluate the relevance of Trotsky's theory of permanent revolution in today's political landscape.
  • Evaluating Trotsky's theory of permanent revolution today reveals its ongoing relevance in discussions about globalization and international solidarity among workers. In an era where global capital flows freely while labor remains largely confined to national borders, Trotskyism offers a critique of this disparity and emphasizes the need for coordinated action across countries to achieve true socialism. The rise of global social movements demonstrates that many activists draw inspiration from Trotsky's ideas, indicating a continued struggle against both capitalist exploitation and bureaucratic oppression in various forms.

Related terms

Permanent Revolution: The theory that a socialist revolution must be continuously advanced internationally and cannot be confined to one nation alone.

Stalinism: A variant of Marxism associated with Joseph Stalin, emphasizing centralized control, rapid industrialization, and socialism in one country.

Fourth International: An organization founded by Trotsky in 1938 to promote world revolution and provide a political alternative to Stalinism and other forms of socialism.