Understanding Trotskyism: A Detailed Definition

The history of the labor movement is rich and complex. Among the many branches that make up Marxism, Trotskyism occupies a special place. This political doctrine , born from the reflections of Leon Trotsky , influenced many movements in the 20th century. So, what is Trotskyism really? How does it differ from other currents of communism? This article offers an in-depth look at this fascinating question.

What is Trotskyism?

Trotskyism takes its name from Leon Trotsky, one of the leaders of the Russian Revolution of 1917. It is a political branch of Marxism that strongly opposes Stalinism. It advocates "permanent revolution," an approach that encourages a world revolution to establish scientific socialism on a global scale, rather than limiting it to a single country.

Trotsky developed this view in opposition to Joseph Stalin's theory, which favored "socialism in one country." According to Trotsky, as long as capitalism existed anywhere, it posed a threat to the expansion of socialism. Hence the imperative to immediately expand revolutions internationally and globally. This view led to a split with the Bolshevik Party led by Stalin, giving rise to Trotskyist opposition in several states.

The Strategy of Trotskyism

The strategy of Trotskyism is essentially based on the theorization of permanent revolution . In other words, for Trotsky, only a proletarian class is capable of carrying out the necessary democratic reforms without fear of agitating the working masses. Thus, it requires strategic and tactical skills to achieve its socialist goals throughout the world.

In this context, Trotsky also promotes the need for a mass revolutionary party structured around centralized democratic principles. This party must be both the spearhead of daily struggles and a centralized actor in the various social movements to overthrow capitalism.

The importance of international mobilization

Unlike nationalist approaches, international mobilization is a cornerstone of Trotskyism. Trotskyist organizations were among the first to unite their efforts across national borders. Such cooperation aimed to affirm that the struggle against capitalist oppression transcends national interests.

The Fourth International, founded in 1938 under Trotsky's influence, was determined to coordinate revolutionaries in an impressive number of countries. Their main goal was to build a network of solidarity to counter the often heavily armed governments and confront internal pressures and Stalinist bureaucracies.

Economic and social theory of Trotskyism

Economically, Trotskyism adheres to the Marxist theory of class struggle, believing that the main driving force of history is the conflict between the ruling and oppressed classes. However, Trotsky emphasized the development of productive forces on a global scale not only for equitable redistribution, but above all to create the conditions for a classless society.

Socially, Trotskyism values the idea of an inclusive workers' democracy that goes far beyond simple elections. This includes bodies such as workers' councils where economic and organizational decisions would be made collegially by those directly involved in production.

Contrasts with Stalinism

Trotskyism differs sharply from Stalinism in its rejection of the cult of personality and bureaucratic authoritarianism. While Stalin laid down strict rules to secure his personal power and favored internal repression of dissidents, Trotsky advocated greater institutional robustness through a transparent revolutionary process.

In foreign policy, Stalinist governments sought temporary allies, even among the imperialist powers, thus minimizing the expected revolutionary scope. In contrast, Trotskyism emphasized the disruptive and mobilizing potential of the Crusaders, as well as constant support for emancipatory movements.

Differences between Trotskyism and Communism

Although intrinsically linked to communism, Trotskyism differs from it in several ways. Unlike traditional communism, which can be anchored in a strictly centralized vision (like that of the Soviet Union), Trotskyism aims to spread socialism based on a constant redefinition of the real needs of the masses.

However, there is a certain convergence in the analysis of the economic mechanisms that generate wealth accumulation and injustice. Both agree on the necessary abolition of bourgeois economic structures and the establishment of alternative systems that promote radical social justice.

Trotskyism versus Democratic Socialism

Unlike democratic socialism, which advocates a gradual transformation through legal and peaceful means, such as influencing the existing government apparatus, Trotskyism insists on the need for a marked revolutionary break to achieve a new socio-economic arrangement by overcoming all bourgeois domination.

While some socialist factions may advocate electoral alliances with progressive traditionalist parties, Trotskyists argue for a sometimes conflictual creation of counter-structures, requiring confrontation with established norms and traditional institutions.

Contemporary legacies of Trotskyism

Although it never achieved significant national power, Trotskyism continues to exert a significant influence on current intellectual and activist debates. Several groups still claim its teachings as their inspiration, promoting enlightened anti-capitalist policies adapted to the challenges of accelerated globalization.

Themes dear to Trotskyism are being revisited in the context of the current crisis, the coronavirus pandemic, and agro-industrial issues. In these contexts, it is essential to collectively reshape public, symbolic, and material goods to respond to the multiple interconnectedness of modern societies.

• 🌍 Universal commitment: promoting active internationalism.
• ✊ Radical equality: completely eradicate all oppressive social hierarchy.
• 🍇 Dynamic decentralization: direct involvement of citizens in daily economic decisions.
• 💡 Creative innovation: exploiting the contradictions of new technologies to free up future resources.
• 🚀 Persistent adaptation: remaining flexible in the face of regional and global developments.