Maoist vs. Tankie

Attribute	Maoist	Tankie
Belief in Mao Zedong's ideology	Yes	No
Support for armed struggle	Yes	Yes
Views on Soviet Union	Critical	Supportive
Emphasis on peasant revolution	Yes	No
Attitude towards revisionism	Opposes	Tolerates

History and Ideology

Maoism is a political theory derived from the teachings of the Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong. It emphasizes the importance of the peasantry in revolution and the need for continuous class struggle. Maoists believe in the concept of a "people's war" to achieve a socialist society. On the other hand, Tankies are a term used to describe Stalinists who support the actions of Joseph Stalin and his policies. They often defend the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule and believe in a strong centralized state to achieve socialism.

Approach to Revolution

Maoists believe in the idea of a protracted people's war, where the rural peasantry plays a crucial role in overthrowing the ruling class. They emphasize the importance of guerrilla warfare and building a strong base of support among the masses. Tankies, on the other hand, tend to support a more centralized approach to revolution, often advocating for a strong state apparatus to lead the way. They believe in the need for a vanguard party to guide the working class towards socialism.

Internationalism

Maoists have historically been more focused on promoting revolution within their own countries, with Mao Zedong's theory of "self-reliance" playing a significant role in their ideology. They have also supported revolutionary movements in other countries, such as the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). Tankies, on the other hand, tend to prioritize the defense of existing socialist states, such as the Soviet Union or Cuba. They often view these states as models to be emulated by other countries.

Attitude towards Capitalism

Maoists see capitalism as a system that must be overthrown through revolutionary means. They believe in the need for a socialist transition period to build a new society free from exploitation. Tankies, on the other hand, may have a more pragmatic approach towards capitalism, often supporting state-controlled economies as a step towards socialism. They may view capitalism as a necessary stage of development before transitioning to socialism.

Views on Authoritarianism

Maoists have been critical of authoritarianism, particularly in the context of the Soviet Union under Stalin. They emphasize the need for mass participation and democratic decision-making in the revolutionary process. Tankies, on the other hand, may be more accepting of authoritarian measures in the name of achieving socialism. They may see a strong state as necessary to combat counter-revolutionary forces.

Role of the Party

Maoists believe in the need for a revolutionary party to lead the struggle for socialism. They emphasize the importance of mass line principles, where the party is connected to the masses and reflects their interests. Tankies, on the other hand, may prioritize the role of the vanguard party in guiding the working class towards socialism. They may see the party as the primary vehicle for achieving revolutionary change.

Conclusion

While Maoists and Tankies share some similarities in their commitment to socialism, they differ in their approaches to revolution, internationalism, capitalism, authoritarianism, and the role of the party. Maoists tend to emphasize the importance of the peasantry, self-reliance, and mass participation, while Tankies may support a more centralized approach, defense of existing socialist states, and a strong vanguard party. Understanding these differences can provide insight into the complexities of leftist political thought and practice.