Gonzaloism vs. Maoism

Attribute	Gonzaloism	Maoism
Founder	Abimael Guzmán	Mao Zedong
Key Texts	Marxism-Leninism-Maoism	Quotations from Chairman Mao
Revolutionary Strategy	People's War	Protracted People's War
Role of the Party	Vanguard Party	Vanguard Party
Class Analysis	Proletarian	Proletarian

Origins

Gonzaloism, also known as Gonzalo Thought, is a political ideology based on the teachings of Peruvian revolutionary leader Abimael Guzmán, also known as Chairman Gonzalo. It emerged in the late 20th century as a form of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism specific to the conditions of Peru. Maoism, on the other hand, is a political theory developed by Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. It emerged in the mid-20th century as a form of Marxism-Leninism adapted to the conditions of China.

Key Principles

One of the key principles of Gonzaloism is the concept of the "People's War," which emphasizes the importance of armed struggle by the masses to overthrow the existing state and establish a new socialist society. This idea is influenced by Mao Zedong's theory of protracted people's war. Maoism, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of the peasantry as the revolutionary class and the importance of mass mobilization and class struggle. Both ideologies prioritize the leadership of a vanguard party in guiding the revolutionary process.

Role of the Leader

In Gonzaloism, Chairman Gonzalo is seen as the supreme leader and theoretician of the revolution. His writings and speeches are considered to be the guiding principles for the revolutionary movement in Peru. Mao Zedong played a similar role in Maoism, with his works such as the "Little Red Book" serving as the ideological foundation for the Chinese Communist Party. Both leaders are revered as revolutionary figures whose teachings are seen as essential for the success of the socialist revolution.

International Influence

While Gonzaloism is primarily associated with the revolutionary movement in Peru, its influence has spread to other countries in Latin America and beyond. Maoism, on the other hand, has had a global impact, with Maoist movements and parties existing in various countries around the world. Both ideologies have inspired revolutionary struggles in different contexts, with their emphasis on armed struggle and mass mobilization resonating with oppressed peoples seeking liberation.

Approach to Socialism

Gonzaloism advocates for the establishment of a new democratic state led by the proletariat and peasantry, with the goal of eventually achieving communism. This process is envisioned through the stages of strategic equilibrium, strategic offensive, and strategic stalemate. Maoism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of continuous revolution under the dictatorship of the proletariat to prevent the restoration of capitalism. Both ideologies prioritize the construction of a socialist society based on principles of equality and social justice.

Legacy

Despite facing setbacks and repression, both Gonzaloism and Maoism have left a lasting impact on revolutionary movements around the world. The teachings of Chairman Gonzalo and Mao Zedong continue to inspire activists and revolutionaries seeking to challenge imperialism and capitalism. While the specific conditions and contexts of Peru and China have shaped the development of Gonzaloism and Maoism, their core principles of armed struggle, mass mobilization, and socialist construction remain relevant in the struggle for a more just and equitable world.