Leninist: meaning, definitions and examples
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Leninist
[ ˈlɛnɪnɪst ]
political ideology
Leninist refers to the political principles and practices associated with Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. This ideology emphasizes the role of the proletariat in leading a revolution to overthrow capitalism and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat. It is characterized by the belief in a vanguard party that guides the working class in the revolutionary process.
Synonyms
Bolshevik, Marxist, communist.
Examples of usage
- The Leninist approach to governance prioritizes the leadership role of the Communist Party.
- Many modern socialist movements draw inspiration from Leninist principles.
- The Leninist model of economy advocates for state control over resources.
Etymology
The term 'Leninist' is derived from the name of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, who was a prominent revolutionary leader and theoretician. Born in 1870, he became a pivotal figure in the Russian Revolution of 1917, which established the world's first communist state. The ideology he developed was influenced by the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels but adapted to the Russian context. Lenin's theories on imperialism, the vanguard party, and the dictatorship of the proletariat became foundational elements of Marxist-Leninism, shaping the policies of various communist movements across the globe. Posthumously, Lenin became an iconic figure for leftist movements, and 'Leninism' continues to be used to describe various interpretations and adaptations of his ideas in different political contexts.