Kolakowski’s Views On Leninism

Leninism is undoubtedly one of the most influential social ideologies in the last century. As a development of Marxism in the new historical conditions, Leninism guided the practice of socialism in the 20th century and was seen as a flag of victory. Because of the significant impact, Leninism has been a major issue of the international academic community from the beginning. For China, a comprehensive understanding of Leninism is important connotation for persistence and development of Marxism. Kolakowski was a representative of neo-Marxists in Eastern Europe who hold intense critical attitude to Stalinism and Soviet model of socialism accompanying with the reform process in Eastern Europe in 1950s and 1960s. According to Marx’s theories of alienation and ideology, he analyzed and criticized Source of ideas, formation and main contents including ideology and theory of proletarian party, philosophy, theory of imperialism and proletarian revolution, theory of state, war communism and the new economic policies. He praised Lenin had a great personality, recognized Lenin’s adherence to unity of theory and practice, the unique characteristics of Marxism, and commended Lenin’s contribution to communism on the world. But he believed that Lenin hold a practical political principle, looked man as a tool and overemphasized on concentration of power, because he always measured current with the ultimate goal. Based on the views of Leninism, Kolakowski believed that Leninism is the direct of Stalinist highly centralized political system. Kolakowski’s elaboration and criticism of Leninism had a important impact in the international. So, analysis and criticism of Kolakowski’s views on Leninism have major significance for deepening understanding of Leninism, persisting and developing Leninism in the new historical conditions.