Marxism-Leninism
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Rosa Luxemburg’s “Reform or Revolution” critiques Eduard Bernstein’s revisionist socialism, arguing that social revolution is essential for achieving socialism, as reforms alone cannot address capitalism’s inherent contradictions. She emphasizes class struggle and warns against the dangers of reformism, asserting that only a proletarian revolution can fundamentally transform society and abolish exploitation.
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Karl Marx’s theory of labor-power and wages is often misunderstood, obscured by capitalism’s need to mask economic realities. He distinguishes labor-power from labor, highlighting how workers are paid only for reproducing their capacity to work, not for the true value produced. This system leads to surplus value extraction and worker exploitation. Marx argues for the…
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The true essence of Marxism lies in class consciousness rather than violence. It emphasizes organized collective action and awareness of exploitation, leading to a rational societal transformation. Though historical revolutions involved violence, Marxism fundamentally seeks dignity and the reconfiguration of society by empowering the working class to recognize its value and solidarity.
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This lecture explores the origins of the socialist movement, focusing on its historical context following the Industrial Revolution. It examines key figures, ideological diversity, and the role of the First International, highlighting its impact on labor movements, class struggles, and shaping modern socialist ideologies, while addressing internal conflicts and legacy.
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Ted Grant’s Programme of the International presents a foundational framework for revolutionary socialist strategy, emphasizing a clear, practical approach to class struggle. Rejecting opportunism, Grant advocates for democratic workers’ control and critiques capitalism’s impact on consciousness. His insights into socialist movements and internationalism resonate today, inspiring new generations committed to combating exploitation and oppression.
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The Second International (1889–1916) coordinated socialist and labor movements globally, advocating for workers’ rights and international solidarity. Key achievements included promoting the eight-hour workday and women’s rights. However, ideological conflicts and the support for World War I led to its decline, giving rise to successor organizations like the Comintern and Socialist International.
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The text critiques the utility theory of value, arguing it diverts attention from the exploitative nature of capitalism by attributing worth to individual preference rather than labor. In contrast, the Marxist labor theory emphasizes value as determined by socially necessary labor time, revealing capitalism as a system that extracts wealth, not generates it.
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Ted Grant (1913–2006) was a prominent British Marxist and Trotskyist theorist, known for his activism in the UK labor movement. He advocated for entryism within the Labour Party and founded the Militant Tendency, influencing local councils. Expelled in 1992, he established Socialist Appeal and continued to promote Marxist ideas until his death.
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The content critiques capitalism, arguing it obscures the true nature of value, which is based on labor rather than market forces. It highlights Marx’s labor theory of value, which posits that prices reflect the labor time needed for production. Ultimately, it reveals how surplus value exploits workers, benefiting capital owners.
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Karl Marx’s “A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy” analyzes capitalist societies’ foundational structures, focusing on commodity production and labor’s role in value creation. This seminal work offers critical insights into how economic systems shape social relations, remaining relevant for those studying economics, sociology, and political science.
Letters from Tomis 