Without a revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary movement. V.I. Lenin
The collective must give top priority to developing a clear and shared definition of its theoretical outlook, the scientific class outlook of the proletariat – Marxism-Leninism.
Marxism-Leninism consists of the theories of scientific socialism propounded by Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, Mao and others and the history of its application in transforming the world over the past 150 years. As such, it cannot be summarized in a paper of this length, but must be studied and applied in an organized, collective manner over a fairly lengthy period of time to be comprehended. However, we can lay out what we consider to be the basic “bare bones” of Marxism-Leninism as a guide to discussion:
1. Dialectical materialism is the philosophical method of Marxism-Leninism All development (in nature and society) arises principally from internal contradiction. The Marxist theory of knowledge has two chief aspects: a) its class nature – it openly avows that dialectical materialism is in the service of the proletariat, b) practicality – Marxism-Leninism emphasises that theory is based on practice and in turn serves practice. Man’s social being determines his consciousness.
2. The Nature of Class Society – class society began with the private expropriation of surplus. The mode of production in a society (slavery, feudalism, etc.) is based on the level of productive forces and corresponds to a certain structure of class oppression. The fundamental contradiction in any class society is between the forces and relations of production. This contradiction is always antagonistic and irreconcilable. In capitalist society this contradiction manifests itself between wage labour and capital.
3. Each ruling class maintains its power through a) an apparatus (bodies of armed men, parliament, courts, schools, etc.) known as the state. While there is class society, the state will continue to exist, b) its control over the dominant ideological weapons of society which enable it to impregnate elements of all classes with the ideas which legitimize its power.
4. The development of imperialism (the monopoly, highest and last, stage of capitalism) has led to the creation of a large group of oppressed colonial and neo-colonial nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The working class in the capitalist countries has a unity of interest with the oppressed nations, in a common fight against imperialism. The proletariat and its ideology and the only sure guarantee of a successful struggle for national liberation in the oppressed nations.
5. Capital has a need for constant expansion. This leads to crises of overproduction, and eventually to imperialist expansion.
6. The struggle for hegemony, and therefore war, is inherent in imperialism.
7. The working class is the only class in fundamental contradiction to the bourgeoisie and its system of capitalist exploitation. Other classes can only ally themselves on one side or the other.
8. Marxist-Leninists recognize the right of nations to self-determination, but in a particular situation must decide on the basis of concrete class and strategic analysis whether to support or oppose a move to separation.
9. A Marxist-Leninist party is necessary to lead the masses to socialism, and then communism, through the violent overthrow of the bourgeois state – whether that state uses the parliamentary or fascist form. The bourgeois dictatorship is replaced by a proletarian dictatorship and the freedom to exploit is denied. The state is used to socialize productive relations and to break down class distinctions as well as to protect socialism from its enemies. When classes no longer exist, the state will whither away.
10. The Marxist-Leninist party is equipped with a revolutionary theory, united within itself by a combination of democracy and discipline, and bound by close links to the masses. It contains the most conscious, advanced elements of the working class at any given time. Although in, of and for the working class, it does not emerge from the spontaneous struggles of workers against their employers. It is the task of the Marxist-Leninist party to merge the theory of scientific socialism with the mass movement.
11. Where there is no party, it is the first task of Marxist-Leninists to create the conditions for the formation of a party. When a substantial number of advanced workers have grasped the theory of Marxism-Leninism and a political line and program for the revolutionary struggle has begun to be worked out the creation of the party becomes a real possibility.
12. Marxist-Leninists must wage a constant struggle against the opportunist trends and tendencies which seek to deter the working class from revolution. This is enhanced by constant criticism and self-criticism within the ML movement.
13. The struggle against revisionism, opportunism and the restoration of capitalism must continue to be carried through all stages of the revolutionary struggle until class society is abolished in reality. Capitalism has been restored in the Soviet Union. The Peoples Republic of China is the leading example of a country where struggle continues under socialism. Modern revisionist parties such as the ’Communist’ Party of Canada betray the class struggle of the proletariat by defending the restoration of capitalism in the USSR, social-imperialist foreign policy and the ’peaceful’ transition to socialism.
14. Socialism is based on the principle: From each according to his ability, to each according to his work.
15. Communism is based on the principle: From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. It will not be achieved in any country until imperialism has been defeated worldwide.
It should be noted here that Marxism-Leninism is not a dogma or a mere formalized code of beliefs. It is a scientific methodology which makes it possible for the revolutionary movement to correctly assess and carry out its task of social transformation. To be a Marxist-Leninist one need not accept every word of Marx, Lenin, Mao, etc. as gospel, but must understand and agree with the fundamental concepts of their writings and be able to assess their historical results and implications for the future.
It should also be noted that an important and progressive step has been taken in the direction of developing a Marxist-Leninist basis of unity by collective members currently engaging in study of Marxism-Leninism through various study groups outside the paper. This study should continue and the results brough back into our collective to advance the development of a principled basis of unity.
To implement this program we propose adoption of the two points of unity outlined in the introduction to this paper.