Reformism
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Reformism refers to a revisionist political ideology that prioritizes gradual reforms over revolutionary change. Reformists believe that incremental changes can be achieved through peaceful means, without challenging the existing capitalist system or overthrowing the ruling class. Vladimir Lenin wrote about the limitations of reformism in his article "Reformism is a Betrayal of Socialism." He argued that reformists like Kautsky, Turati, and Bourderon abandoned revolutionary work and instead advocated for unity with opponents of socialist struggle.[1]
Lenin also criticized the liquidators' approach to reforms, which he saw as an attempt to water down Marxist principles. The liquidators, such as Sedov, focused on achieving incremental reforms while abandoning more radical goals. Lenin believed that this reformist approach was a form of opportunism and betrayed the true spirit of socialism.
In another example, we have the critique of liberal reformists who advocate for "reforms" without challenging the existing power structures. These liberals argue that reforms can be achieved through peaceful means, but Lenin saw this as an attempt to evade the fundamental question of revolutionary change.
See also
References
- ↑ Vladimir Lenin. Collected Works, Vol. 23.
"The reformism of Kautsky, Turati and Bourderon, which now comes out in the form of pacifism, not only leaves aside the question of revolution (this in itself is a betrayal of socialism), not only abandons in practice all systematic and persistent revolutionary work, but even goes to the length of declaring that street demonstrations are adventurism (Kautsky in Die Neue Zeit, November 26, 1915). It goes to the length of advocating and implementing unity with the outspoken and determined opponents of revolutionary struggle, the Siidekums, Legiens, Renaudels, Thomases, etc., etc. This reformism is absolutely irreconcilable with revolutionary Marxism, the duty of which is to take the utmost possible advantage of the present revolutionary situation in Europe in order openly to urge revolution, the overthrow of the bourgeois governments, the conquest of power by the armed proletariat, while at the same time not renouncing, and not refusing to utilise, reforms in developing the revolutionary struggle and in the course of that struggle."