Letters from Tomis

Lecture

Here is a lecture on Rosa Luxemburg’s Reform or Revolution.

I. Historical Context

To fully appreciate Luxemburg’s argument, we need to understand the political and economic climate in which she was writing.

1. The Rise of Revisionism

• In the late 19th century, capitalism appeared to be stabilizing. The expansion of industrial production, colonialism, and improvements in workers’ conditions led some socialists—most notably Eduard Bernstein—to argue that socialism could be achieved through gradual reforms rather than revolution.

• Bernstein, a leading figure in Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), proposed that capitalism was adapting and that Marx’s prediction of its collapse was outdated.

2. Luxemburg’s Response

• Luxemburg rejected this view, arguing that capitalism remains inherently unstable and exploitative.

• She contended that revisionism would weaken the socialist movement by making it dependent on the structures of capitalism instead of challenging them.

II. The Core Argument: Why Reform Alone Cannot Lead to Socialism

Luxemburg’s primary critique of Bernstein is that reformism fails to address the fundamental contradictions of capitalism.

1. The Nature of Capitalist Development

• Luxemburg argues that capitalism cannot evolve into socialism through incremental reforms because it is built on exploitation and economic crises.

• Even if reforms are won, they do not change the underlying capitalist structure, which prioritizes profit over human need.

2. Economic Crises and the Limits of Reform

• Bernstein claimed that capitalism had become more stable and that crises were less frequent. Luxemburg counters this by pointing out that crises are an inherent part of capitalism, driven by overproduction and market competition.

• Even during periods of economic growth, capitalism produces class conflict and inequality.

3. The Role of the State

• Luxemburg challenges the idea that the state is a neutral institution that can be used to achieve socialism through gradual change.

• Instead, she argues that the state exists to protect the interests of the bourgeoisie.

• Reforms granted by the state can be reversed, and as long as capitalism exists, the ruling class will ultimately retain control.

III. Reform vs. Revolution: The Political and Strategic Implications

Luxemburg does not reject reforms altogether. She recognizes their value in improving workers’ conditions and strengthening the class struggle. However, she insists that reform must always be seen as a means to an end—never as an end in itself.

1. The Dangers of Reformism

• If socialists focus solely on reforms, they risk becoming integrated into the capitalist system.

• Reformism can make workers complacent, believing that small improvements are sufficient rather than fighting for systemic change.

• The ruling class may concede certain reforms to prevent revolution, only to undermine them later.

2. The Necessity of Revolution

• Luxemburg argues that real socialism can only be achieved through a revolutionary overthrow of capitalism.

• The working class must organize, seize power, and replace the capitalist state with a system based on workers’ control and economic democracy.

3. Class Struggle as the Driving Force of Change

• Luxemburg emphasizes that class struggle—not legislative change—is the true force behind social progress.

• Every meaningful reform in history, from the reduction of working hours to suffrage rights, was won through direct struggle, not through the goodwill of the ruling class.

IV. Legacy and Relevance Today

Even though Reform or Revolution was written over a century ago, its themes remain highly relevant.

1. Modern Reformist Movements

• Many contemporary leftist movements advocate for reforms such as higher minimum wages, universal healthcare, and environmental regulations.

• While these are important, Luxemburg’s work reminds us that reforms alone cannot eliminate capitalism’s fundamental contradictions.

2. The Persistence of Economic Crises

• The global financial crisis of 2008 and subsequent economic downturns demonstrate that capitalism remains unstable, validating Luxemburg’s critique of Bernstein’s optimism.

3. Socialism in the 21st Century

• As debates continue over whether socialism can be achieved through electoral means or mass mobilization, Luxemburg’s insistence on revolutionary transformation remains an essential part of the discussion.

V. Conclusion

To summarize:

• Rosa Luxemburg wrote Reform or Revolution to challenge Eduard Bernstein’s belief that socialism could be achieved through gradual reform.

• She argued that capitalism is inherently unstable and exploitative, making revolution necessary.

• While reforms are valuable, they cannot replace the need for class struggle and systemic change.

• Luxemburg’s work remains relevant as we continue to debate the best strategies for social and economic justice.

Final Thought: Luxemburg warns us against mistaking the symptoms for the disease. Reforms may alleviate suffering, but they do not eliminate capitalism’s fundamental contradictions. If we want real change, we must be willing to fight for something beyond reform—a complete transformation of society.