Sorelianism vs. Trotskyism

Attribute	Sorelianism	Trotskyism
Founder	Georges Sorel	Leon Trotsky
Key Ideas	Revolutionary syndicalism, direct action, class struggle	Permanent revolution, transitional demands, proletarian internationalism
Role of the State	Minimal state intervention, emphasis on workers' direct action	Transitional state leading to socialism, emphasis on workers' control
Attitude towards Leninism	Critical of Lenin's vanguard party concept	Initially supportive of Lenin's leadership, later critical of Stalinism
Impact on History	Influential in early 20th century labor movements, particularly in France and Italy	Played a key role in the Russian Revolution and early Soviet Union, later marginalized by Stalinism

Origins

Sorelianism and Trotskyism are two distinct political ideologies that emerged in the early 20th century. Sorelianism, named after its founder Georges Sorel, originated in France in the late 19th century. Sorel was a syndicalist who believed in the power of the working class to bring about revolutionary change through direct action and general strikes. Trotskyism, on the other hand, is named after Leon Trotsky, a key figure in the Russian Revolution of 1917. Trotskyism emerged as a Marxist ideology that emphasized the need for international revolution and the establishment of a global socialist society.

Key Beliefs

One of the key beliefs of Sorelianism is the idea of the "myth of the general strike." Sorelians believe that a general strike, organized by the working class, has the power to overthrow the capitalist system and bring about a new social order. This belief in the transformative power of direct action sets Sorelianism apart from other socialist ideologies. In contrast, Trotskyism emphasizes the importance of a vanguard party led by professional revolutionaries. Trotskyists believe that the working class needs a disciplined and organized party to guide them in their struggle against capitalism and imperialism.

Approach to Revolution

When it comes to the approach to revolution, Sorelianism and Trotskyism have different strategies. Sorelians advocate for spontaneous and decentralized actions by the working class, such as general strikes and direct action. They believe that these actions will lead to the collapse of the capitalist system and the establishment of a new society based on worker control. Trotskyists, on the other hand, believe in the need for a centralized and organized revolutionary party to lead the working class in their struggle. They argue that without a vanguard party, the working class will not be able to effectively challenge the power of the ruling class.

Role of the State

Another key difference between Sorelianism and Trotskyism is their views on the role of the state. Sorelians are generally skeptical of the state and believe that it is a tool of the ruling class to maintain their power and privilege. They advocate for the destruction of the existing state apparatus and its replacement with decentralized worker councils. In contrast, Trotskyists believe in the need for a workers' state to defend the gains of the revolution and to facilitate the transition to socialism. They argue that the state can be used as a tool for the working class to consolidate their power and implement socialist policies.

Internationalism

Both Sorelianism and Trotskyism share a commitment to internationalism, but they approach it in different ways. Sorelians believe in the idea of "national syndicalism," which emphasizes the importance of national identity and culture in the revolutionary struggle. They argue that each nation should pursue its own path to socialism based on its unique historical and cultural context. Trotskyists, on the other hand, advocate for the idea of permanent revolution, which calls for the simultaneous struggle for socialism on a global scale. They believe that the working class must unite across national boundaries to overthrow capitalism and establish a socialist world order.

Legacy

Despite their differences, both Sorelianism and Trotskyism have had a lasting impact on socialist thought and practice. Sorelianism's emphasis on direct action and the power of the working class to bring about revolutionary change has influenced various social movements throughout history. Trotskyism, with its focus on the need for a vanguard party and international revolution, has inspired socialist movements around the world. While Sorelianism and Trotskyism may have divergent views on strategy and tactics, they both share a commitment to the ultimate goal of creating a more just and equitable society for all.