Anti-Revisionism is a political ideology that emerged in the 20th century, primarily within the context of Marxist-Leninist movements. It is characterized by its opposition to certain revisions or modifications made to the original principles of Marxism-Leninism, which its proponents believe to be distortions or deviations from the true path of socialist revolution.
The term "Anti-Revisionism" was first used in the mid-20th century, during the ideological struggle within the international communist movement following the death of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union. The main conflict was between the Soviet Union, which under the leadership of Nikita Khrushchev began to implement policies of "de-Stalinization" and peaceful coexistence with capitalist countries, and the People's Republic of China, led by Mao Zedong, who criticized these policies as revisionist and counter-revolutionary.
Anti-Revisionists argue that the changes made by Khrushchev and his successors abandoned the revolutionary principles of Marxism-Leninism and capitulated to capitalism and imperialism. They believe that these revisions led to the restoration of capitalism in the Soviet Union and other socialist countries, and ultimately to the collapse of the socialist bloc.
The Anti-Revisionist movement is not monolithic and includes various tendencies and interpretations. Some Anti-Revisionists uphold the legacy of Stalin and defend his policies, while others reject Stalinism and seek to return to the principles of Lenin or even earlier Marxists. There are also those who follow the path of Mao Zedong and his theory of continuous revolution under the dictatorship of the proletariat, known as Maoism.
Despite their differences, all Anti-Revisionists share a commitment to the revolutionary transformation of society and the establishment of a socialist or communist system. They reject any compromise with capitalism and imperialism, and oppose any attempts to reform or moderate the revolutionary principles of Marxism-Leninism.
In the contemporary world, Anti-Revisionism remains a significant current within the broader socialist and communist movement. It has influenced various revolutionary movements and parties around the world, and continues to inspire those who seek a radical alternative to the existing capitalist system.
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