| The ultimate question proposed in this study concerning the dilemma of Western European Communist parties is inextricably linked to the deradicalization of these parties. Is the deradicalization of democratic communism an outcome of socio-economic development, or the result of the inertia of the organizational principle, such as the "iron law of oligarchy"? I found such a question to be too restrictive, although most scholars have concentrated on economic or organizational and elite theories in the past. Arguments of economic determinism, or the qualities immanent to institutional organization, are inadequate explanations for the deradicalization of political parties. I tried to relate considerations of economic and organizational influences on political parties, with the important affects of historical experience, socio-cultural development, ideology, and the practical assessment of political realities by party leaders. I argue that in choosing to participate in parliamentary institutions, radical parties become politically ambivalent. Communist parties become caught between their transforming ideologies and transactional practices. Ultimately, the commitment of Communist parties to democratic institutions tranforms the revolutionary party into an electoral machine.; I supported my argument with a case study of the Italian Communist Party. The Italian Communists are the best example of a Eurocommunist party, an idea which became most popular between 1974 and 1979. The study focuses on the permanent interests of the party, as opposed to an analysis which juxtaposes theory and practice, or strategy and tactics, alone. By studying and categorizing the intent of Communist party resolutions between 1959-1968, and 1973-1979, I found that the Italian Communists were most committed to the formation of democratic alliances. This policy is founded on all of the above considerations (i.e., economic, socio-cultural, historical, etc.), but is basically aimed at gaining electoral support. Being neither completely revolutionary, nor "status-quo," Eurocommunist parties are caught between radical and conservative elements of society. This is the dilemma of Western European Communist parties, to be politically ambivalent, and possibly unable to forge majority alliances, or fulfill their promises of social reform and transformation. |
