The State and Revolution: The Marxist Theory of the State & the Tasks of the Proletariat in the Revolution by V.I. Lenin

Overview

Written during August and September of 1917, "The State and Revolution" is a seminal work by V.I. Lenin that articulates the Marxist theory regarding the state and the role of the proletariat during a revolution. Lenin penned this work while in hiding from the Provisional Government, outlining the necessity for theoretical discussions that arose post the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Historical Context

Prior to writing this work, Lenin had accumulated extensive notes criticizing others' views on the state, particularly those of Karl Kautsky, Eugene Debs, and various Socialist-Revolutionary leaders. His engagement in this discourse was intensified by the backdrop of World War I and the resultant transformations in state power dynamics.

Key Themes and Concepts

Relationship Between Class Society and the State

Lenin claims that the state is a product of irreconcilable class antagonisms. Historical evidence suggests that revolutions typically lead to stronger state bodies, which reflect the economic interests of the dominant class. The previous state machines, as seen in examples throughout European history, were seen as instruments of oppression wielded for the benefit of the ruling class.

The Nature of State Power

Engels, quoted extensively in the text, argued that the state is characterized by its role in managing class conflicts while simultaneously being an agent of oppression for the ruling class. Thus, the existence of a state signifies that class antagonisms are present, leading to the assertion that a genuine proletarian revolution requires the dismantling of the existing state structure.

The Role of Violence in Revolution

Lenin discusses the historical significance of revolutions, emphasizing that they often necessitate violent upheaval of the existing order. The proletariat can only achieve power by decisively dismantling the existing state machinery and establishing new forms of governance.

The Withering Away of the State

One of the central tenets of Marxist theory articulated by Lenin is that, after the proletarian seizure of power, the state will begin to wither away as class antagonisms are resolved. In the higher phase of communism, there is no longer a need for a state apparatus as organic social relations become established without coercion.

Democracy and Classes

Lenin argues that true democracy cannot exist under capitalism as it invariably serves the interests of the capitalist elite. Democratic frameworks evolve during revolutionary periods but must eventually lead to the dictatorship of the proletariat to achieve genuine liberation of the working classes.

Lessons from the Paris Commune

Through a detailed examination of the Paris Commune, Lenin makes a case for the necessity of establishing a truly revolutionary form of democracy. The Commune exemplified the struggle of the proletariat to establish a state mechanism that reflected the needs of the working class, serving as a transition between the old bourgeois state and a new, egalitarian society.

Criticism of Opportunism

Lenin fiercely critiques those within the socialist movement who distort or simplify Marxist doctrine for opportunistic ends. He argues for a clear understanding of the role of state power in the revolutionary process and condemns attempts to co-opt profound Marxist insights for immediate political gains.

Conclusion

Lenin's "The State and Revolution" serves as a critical manifesto outlining the nature of the proletariat's relationship with the state, emphasizing the need for a radical overhaul of social and political structures. The work delves into foundational Marxist principles while challenging contemporary interpretations, asserting the unbridgeable gap between bourgeois democracy and genuine revolutionary proactivity.

The State and Revolution: A Comprehensive Overview of Lenin's Work on Marxism and State Theories

The State and Revolution: A Comprehensive Overview of Lenin's Work on Marxism and State Theories