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Trotskyism

The establishment of a global socialist society through continuous revolution and workers' democracy.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Trotskyism is a Marxist political ideology named after Leon Trotsky, a Russian revolutionary and Marxist theorist. It is a form of communism that emphasizes the need for an international "permanent revolution" and promotes the idea that socialism cannot sustain itself in one country alone. Trotskyism is distinct from other Marxist theories, particularly Stalinism, with which it has been in a continuous struggle since the late 1920s.

    Leon Trotsky was a key figure in the Bolshevik seizure of power in Russia during the October Revolution of 1917. He later served as the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs and the People's Commissar of Military and Naval Affairs. He was a central leader in the early days of the Soviet Union until he was expelled from the Communist Party and exiled in the late 1920s by Joseph Stalin, who adopted a policy of "Socialism in One Country."

    Trotskyism's central theory is the concept of "permanent revolution," which argues that in countries delayed in their economic and political development, an initial bourgeois-democratic revolution led by the proletariat must inevitably lead to a socialist revolution. This is in contrast to the Stalinist concept of "socialism in one country," which posited that socialism could be built in a single country, even one as underdeveloped as Russia.

    Trotskyists also criticize the bureaucracy that developed in the Soviet Union under Stalin, arguing that it was a degenerated workers' state; that is, a state in which the working class had lost political control. Trotskyists aim to create a dictatorship of the proletariat, based on democratic principles, to facilitate the transition to a socialist society.

    Trotskyism has been influential in some communist or anti-Stalinist left-wing circles, particularly in the 1930s in the United States and in the 1960s and 1970s in Western Europe. It has been associated with various political movements and parties worldwide, including the Socialist Workers Party in the United States and the Revolutionary Communist Party in France. Despite its influence, Trotskyism has never been the leading ideological current within the international communist movement.

    In conclusion, Trotskyism is a form of Marxism that emphasizes international revolution and criticizes the bureaucratic tendencies of Stalinism. It has had a significant impact on various left-wing movements throughout the 20th century, despite its marginal status within the broader communist movement.

Relevant stances

Voters that identify as Trotskyism are most likely to agree with these stances.

Opposing stances

Voters that identify as Trotskyism are most likely to oppose these stances.

Similar ideologies

These ideologies are most similar to Trotskyism.

Marxism

A classless society where wealth and resources are distributed equitably, leading to the eradication of exploitation and social inequality.

IsraelEconomic StimulusWelfare Drug TestingMedicaidTorture

Scientific Socialism

A society where wealth and resources are distributed equitably, leading to the eradication of class distinctions and exploitation.

Government SpendingEconomic StimulusMental competency testingMandatory VaccinationsGMO Labels

Anti-Capitalism

Creating a more equitable society where wealth and resources are distributed fairly among all individuals.

Corporate SubsidiesWelfareWelfare Drug TestingMandatory VaccinationsMedicaid

Revolutionary Socialism

The establishment of a classless, egalitarian society through the overthrow of oppressive systems and the redistribution of wealth and power.

Economic StimulusCorporate SubsidiesGovernment SpendingWelfareImmigration Healthcare

Economic Egalitarianism

Striving for a society where wealth and resources are distributed fairly, reducing income inequality and promoting equal opportunities for all.

Paid Sick LeaveGovernment SpendingImmigration HealthcareMental competency testingEmployee Diversity Training

Syndicalism

A society where workers collectively own and manage industries, leading to a more equitable distribution of wealth and power.

Corporate SubsidiesMental competency testingIsraelGun ControlDrug Policy

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Trotskyism.

Far-right

Promoting traditional values, nationalism, and strict immigration policies to preserve cultural identity and protect national sovereignty.

Confederate FlagSingle-Payer HealthcareVoter FraudMedicaidLGBT Adoption Rights

Right-Wing

Promoting individual freedoms, limited government intervention, and strong national defense to create a prosperous and secure society.

Voter FraudConfederate FlagTortureSingle-Payer HealthcareMedicaid

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

Government SpendingPaid Sick LeaveEconomic StimulusCapital Gains TaxPublic Transportation

Right

Promoting individual freedoms and personal responsibility to create a prosperous and fair society.

Capital Gains TaxSingle-Payer HealthcareVoter FraudIsraelVA Privatization

Right-Wing Populism

Promoting national sovereignty, traditional values, and economic prosperity for the common people through limited government intervention and strict immigration policies.

Confederate FlagVoter FraudBorder WallIsraelCapital Gains Tax

Conservatism

Preserving traditional values and institutions to maintain social stability and continuity.

Voter FraudIsraelCapital Gains TaxSingle-Payer HealthcareReligious Freedom Act

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