Communism
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This essay explores contemporary Marxist theory and its analytical framework on social class, power, and inequality in the U.S. It delves into class structures, reproduction, state power, global capitalism, and precarity, demonstrating how ideology sustains the class hierarchy. It highlights historical shifts since WWII, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of economic disparities and the persistent influence…
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Maxim Gorky (1868–1936) was a pivotal Russian writer whose experiences of poverty shaped his literary themes focused on the working class. A supporter of the Bolshevik Revolution, he later criticized its authoritarianism, leading to self-imposed exile. His legacy endures through his works that explore revolutionary ideals and individual freedoms.
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This essay explores the role of public education in socialist contexts, emphasizing its foundational principles of universal access, social equality, and ideological instruction. Through case studies of the USSR, China, Cuba, and Vietnam, it highlights successes in literacy and education equity while acknowledging challenges of political indoctrination and inherent systemic issues in socialist education models.
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Marcel Cachin (1869–1958) was a significant figure in French socialism and communism, instrumental in founding the French Communist Party. His life reflected the evolution of leftist movements in Europe post-World War I. Recognized for his commitment to internationalism and working-class struggles, Cachin’s legacy reveals both idealism and challenges within Communist politics.
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Alexei Rykov (1881–1938) was a key Bolshevik leader and Soviet statesman instrumental in the early Soviet Union’s formation. After opposing Lenin, he later became Premier but fell out of favor with Stalin due to his support for the NEP. Arrested during the Great Purge, he was executed in 1938. He was rehabilitated posthumously in 1988.
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Amadeo Bordiga (1889–1970) was a pivotal, contentious figure in international communism, known for founding the Italian Communist Party. His rigorous critiques of reformism, parliamentary democracy, and Stalinism shaped left communism. Despite political marginalization, Bordiga’s theoretical contributions continue to influence contemporary Marxist discourse and debates about revolutionary practice.
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Christian Rakovsky (1873–1941) was a key Marxist revolutionary and diplomat influential in the Bolshevik movement. He advocated for socialist internationalism and played significant roles in Ukraine and as Soviet ambassador to France. Ultimately, his opposition to Stalinist policies led to his expulsion from the Communist Party and execution during the Great Purge.
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The Italian Communist Party (PCI), established in 1921, evolved from a revolutionary group to a significant democratic socialist force before dissolving in 1991. Key leaders like Gramsci and Berlinguer shaped its ideology, balancing Stalinist influences with democratic reforms. Its dissolution marked a pivotal transition in European politics, reflecting broader historical changes.
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Cyril Lionel Robert James (1901–1989) was a Trinidadian Marxist historian and cultural critic, renowned for his work The Black Jacobins. Influencing post-colonial theory, he championed socialist democracy and black liberation. His contributions spanned politics, literature, and sports, establishing him as a pivotal figure in Marxist thought and anti-colonial movements.
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The French Communist Party (PCF), founded in 1920, emerged from a split in socialism, gaining significant influence in 20th-century France. It opposed fascism, contributed to labor rights, and played a pivotal role in the French Resistance during WWII. However, alignment with the Soviet Union and economic shifts diminished its power, but it remains active advocating…
Letters from Tomis 