National Communism vs. Orthodox Marxism

Attribute	National Communism	Orthodox Marxism
Founder	Nikolai Bukharin	Karl Marx
Emphasis on nationalism	Yes	No
Role of the state	Strong state control	Withers away in the transition to communism
Internationalism	Less emphasis	Emphasized
Revolutionary strategy	Focus on national liberation	Proletarian revolution

Introduction

National Communism and Orthodox Marxism are two ideologies that have emerged within the broader spectrum of Marxist thought. While both ideologies share some common principles, they also have distinct differences in terms of their approach to achieving a communist society. In this article, we will compare and contrast the attributes of National Communism and Orthodox Marxism.

Historical Context

Orthodox Marxism, as the name suggests, refers to the original teachings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It emphasizes the importance of class struggle and the eventual overthrow of the capitalist system to establish a classless society. National Communism, on the other hand, emerged in the early 20th century in countries like Italy and Romania, where communist parties adopted nationalist rhetoric to appeal to the masses.

Role of the State

One of the key differences between National Communism and Orthodox Marxism lies in their views on the role of the state. Orthodox Marxism advocates for the eventual withering away of the state after the establishment of communism, as it is seen as a tool of class oppression. In contrast, National Communism places a greater emphasis on the role of the state in guiding the transition to communism, often through authoritarian means.

Nationalism vs. Internationalism

Another significant difference between National Communism and Orthodox Marxism is their stance on nationalism and internationalism. Orthodox Marxism prioritizes international solidarity among the working class, viewing nationalism as a divisive force that hinders the progress of the socialist movement. National Communism, on the other hand, incorporates nationalist elements into its ideology, often promoting the interests of a particular nation or ethnic group.

Economic Policies

When it comes to economic policies, Orthodox Marxism advocates for the collective ownership of the means of production and the abolition of private property. This is seen as a necessary step towards achieving a classless society. National Communism, on the other hand, may adopt a more pragmatic approach to economic policies, allowing for a mix of state control and private enterprise to stimulate economic growth.

Approach to Revolution

Orthodox Marxism sees revolution as the inevitable outcome of the contradictions within the capitalist system, leading to the overthrow of the ruling class by the proletariat. National Communism, on the other hand, may prioritize a more gradual approach to revolution, seeking to build popular support through nationalist appeals and social reforms before seizing power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, National Communism and Orthodox Marxism represent two distinct interpretations of Marxist theory, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. While Orthodox Marxism remains true to the original teachings of Marx and Engels, National Communism offers a more flexible and adaptable approach to achieving communism in specific national contexts. Ultimately, the choice between these ideologies depends on the historical and cultural conditions of a given society.