◉ philosophy

lenin's "what is to be done?" and modern american politics

here's a summary of lenin's "what is to be done?" (1902) and its application to modern american politics:

core arguments of lenin's pamphlet

1. spontaneity vs. consciousness: workers' movements develop spontaneously but only achieve "trade union consciousness" (demanding better wages/conditions). true revolutionary socialist consciousness must be brought to the workers "from without" by intellectuals and a dedicated party.
2. the vanguard party: a highly disciplined, centralized, and professional organization of full-time revolutionaries is essential. this "vanguard" possesses the theoretical understanding and organizational capacity to lead the working class.
3. critique of "economism": lenin attacks those ("economists") who focus solely on economic struggles and downplay political revolutionary goals. he argues this reformist approach plays into the hands of the bourgeoisie.
4. the need for a nationwide newspaper: a central, illegal newspaper is crucial for political education, unifying theory, coordinating action, and building the party organization.
5. revolutionary theory is paramount: "without revolutionary theory, there can be no revolutionary movement." theory guides practice and distinguishes marxists from opportunists.

applying lenin's framework to american politics (critical analysis)

in essence, lenin's "what is to be done?" provides a powerful, radical, and highly critical lens for analyzing the strategies and perceived shortcomings of the revolutionary left in america, emphasizing the need for revolutionary theory, centralized organization, and a rejection of mere reformism. however, its historical context, authoritarian implications, and fundamental clash with american political culture and realities severely limit its practical applicability as a blueprint for action.