Marxism-Leninism-Maoism vs. Post-Leftism

Attribute	Marxism-Leninism-Maoism	Post-Leftism
Key Figures	Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Mao Zedong	Max Stirner, Hakim Bey
Revolutionary Strategy	Vanguard party leading the proletariat	Rejects traditional leftist strategies
Class Struggle	Emphasizes class struggle as central to history	Critiques traditional class analysis
State	Dictatorship of the proletariat	Opposes all forms of authority
Internationalism	Supports global revolution	Focuses on local and individual actions

Overview

Marxism-Leninism-Maoism (MLM) and Post-Leftism are two distinct political ideologies that have emerged in response to the failures and shortcomings of traditional Marxist and leftist movements. While both ideologies share a critique of capitalism and imperialism, they differ in their analysis of power dynamics, strategies for social change, and visions of a future society.

Key Principles

Marxism-Leninism-Maoism is a revolutionary socialist ideology that builds upon the theories of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, and Mao Zedong. It emphasizes the need for a vanguard party to lead the working class in overthrowing the capitalist state and establishing a dictatorship of the proletariat. MLM also stresses the importance of cultural revolution and mass mobilization to combat revisionism and maintain revolutionary fervor.

Post-Leftism, on the other hand, rejects traditional leftist strategies and institutions, such as political parties and unions, in favor of individual autonomy and decentralized forms of resistance. Post-Leftists critique the left for its reliance on identity politics, moralism, and reformism, arguing that these approaches ultimately reinforce the existing power structures. Instead, Post-Leftists advocate for a more insurrectionary and anti-authoritarian approach to social change.

Analysis of Power

Marxism-Leninism-Maoism sees power as inherently hierarchical and oppressive, with the ruling class using the state to maintain its dominance over the working class. MLM argues that the only way to challenge this power dynamic is through organized class struggle and the seizure of state power by the proletariat. By establishing a dictatorship of the proletariat, MLM aims to dismantle the capitalist state and create a socialist society based on collective ownership and control of the means of production.

Post-Leftism, on the other hand, views power as diffuse and pervasive, existing not only in the state and capitalist institutions but also in everyday social relations and cultural norms. Post-Leftists argue that traditional leftist movements often replicate these power dynamics by seeking to seize state power and impose their own vision of a just society. Instead, Post-Leftists advocate for a more individualistic and anti-authoritarian approach that challenges power at all levels, from the state to the family to the self.

Strategies for Social Change

Marxism-Leninism-Maoism advocates for a disciplined and centralized approach to social change, with the vanguard party leading the working class in a revolutionary struggle against capitalism and imperialism. MLM emphasizes the importance of building a mass movement through education, agitation, and organization, culminating in the seizure of state power and the establishment of a socialist society. Cultural revolution and mass mobilization are seen as essential tools for combating revisionism and maintaining the revolutionary spirit.

Post-Leftism, on the other hand, rejects the idea of a vanguard party and centralized leadership, arguing that these structures ultimately reproduce hierarchical power dynamics. Instead, Post-Leftists advocate for decentralized and autonomous forms of resistance, such as direct action, sabotage, and insurrection. Post-Leftists prioritize individual autonomy and spontaneity, believing that true social change can only come from below, through the self-organization of individuals and communities.

Vision of a Future Society

Marxism-Leninism-Maoism envisions a future socialist society based on collective ownership and control of the means of production, with the state serving as a tool for the working class to suppress the bourgeoisie and build socialism. MLM sees the dictatorship of the proletariat as a necessary transitional stage on the path to communism, where class distinctions and exploitation have been abolished, and all members of society contribute according to their abilities and receive according to their needs.

Post-Leftism, on the other hand, rejects the idea of a future society based on centralized state power and collective ownership, arguing that these structures inevitably lead to new forms of domination and exploitation. Instead, Post-Leftists advocate for a society based on individual autonomy, voluntary association, and mutual aid. Post-Leftists envision a world where individuals are free to pursue their own desires and form non-coercive relationships with others, without the need for centralized authority or economic coercion.