Maoist vs. Marxism

Attribute	Maoist	Marxism
Founder	Mao Zedong	Karl Marx
Key Texts	Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong (The Little Red Book)	The Communist Manifesto, Das Kapital
Revolutionary Strategy	Protracted People's War	Class struggle leading to dictatorship of the proletariat
Role of Peasantry	Key revolutionary force	Important but secondary to the industrial working class
Role of Vanguard Party	Central to leading revolution	Organize and guide the working class

Origins

Marxism, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century, is a socio-political theory that focuses on the struggle between the working class (proletariat) and the capitalist class (bourgeoisie). It advocates for the eventual overthrow of the capitalist system and the establishment of a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively. Maoism, on the other hand, is a variant of Marxism that was developed by Mao Zedong in China during the mid-20th century. Maoism emphasizes the role of peasants in the revolution and the importance of continuous class struggle even after the establishment of a socialist state.

Role of the Peasantry

One of the key differences between Maoism and traditional Marxism is the emphasis on the role of the peasantry in the revolution. While Marxism primarily focuses on the industrial working class as the revolutionary force, Maoism argues that the peasantry, as the largest class in agrarian societies, plays a crucial role in the overthrow of the ruling class. Mao believed that the peasantry could be mobilized to support the revolution and that they could serve as a powerful force in building socialism.

Class Struggle

Both Marxism and Maoism emphasize the importance of class struggle in the process of social change. However, Maoism takes a more radical approach to class struggle, advocating for continuous revolution even after the establishment of a socialist state. Mao believed that the bourgeoisie would continue to exist within the socialist society and that the revolution must be ongoing to prevent the restoration of capitalism. This idea of "permanent revolution" sets Maoism apart from traditional Marxist thought.

Role of the State

Marxism and Maoism also differ in their views on the role of the state in the transition to socialism. Marxism advocates for the dictatorship of the proletariat, where the working class holds political power and uses it to suppress the bourgeoisie. Maoism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of mass mobilization and revolutionary consciousness in building socialism. Mao believed that the state should be a tool of the masses and that the people should actively participate in governance.

Internationalism

Another key difference between Marxism and Maoism is their approach to internationalism. Marxism is inherently internationalist, calling for the workers of the world to unite and overthrow capitalism on a global scale. Marx believed that socialism could only be achieved through a worldwide revolution. Maoism, on the other hand, focuses more on national liberation and self-reliance. Mao believed that each country should develop its own path to socialism based on its unique conditions.

Cultural Revolution

One of the most distinctive aspects of Maoism is the Cultural Revolution, a social and political movement launched by Mao in China in the 1960s. The Cultural Revolution aimed to purge the country of capitalist and traditional elements and to reassert Maoist ideology. It involved mass mobilization, political purges, and the promotion of Maoist thought. The Cultural Revolution was a unique feature of Maoism and had a lasting impact on Chinese society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Marxism and Maoism share some common principles, such as the emphasis on class struggle and the goal of building a socialist society, they also have significant differences in terms of their approach to revolution, the role of the peasantry, the nature of the state, and their views on internationalism. Maoism, with its focus on continuous revolution, mass mobilization, and the unique conditions of each country, represents a distinct variant of Marxist thought that has had a significant impact on revolutionary movements around the world.