The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism · Chapter
Conditions for the Success of Communism explained
Russell argues that while the fundamental ideas of Communism are sound, the transition from capitalism must be carefully managed to avoid industrial paralysis, starvation, and civil war.
What happens
Russell argues that while the fundamental ideas of Communism are sound, the transition from capitalism must be carefully managed to avoid industrial paralysis, starvation, and civil war. He critiques the Bolshevik strategy of immediate revolution, advocating instead for gradual, constitutional approaches such as self-government in industry, especially in prosperous countries like England and America. He emphasizes the need for widespread technical education among workers, patience, and propaganda to build a strong base of support, warning that premature revolutions in Europe would be crushed by American economic supremacy.
Themes in this chapter
Hope vs. Reality
Russell contrasts the inspiring hope of Communism with the harsh realities of transition, arguing that despair-driven revolution leads to failure.
Methods of Transition to Socialism
The chapter extensively discusses the need for gradual, constitutional methods (e.g., self-government in industry) versus the Bolshevik preference for immediate revolution.
Individual vs. State
Russell warns against excessive centralization and the loss of self-government, advocating for worker participation to prevent tyranny.
Power and Dictatorship
Critique of Bolshevik centralization and the dangers of military tyranny following a failed revolution.
Characters to notice
- Lenin
Referenced indirectly through the policies of the Soviet Government and the Third International, which Russell critiques for promoting premature revolutions.
- Trotsky
Not directly mentioned, but the Bolshevik leadership's opposition to self-government in industry is discussed.
- Marx
The fundamental ideas of Communism are attributed to Marxist thought, though Marx is not named explicitly.
Key passages
“Bolshevik philosophy is promoted very largely by despair of more gradual methods. But this despair is a mark of impatience, and is not really warranted by the facts.”
The Bolsheviks advocate revolution because they have lost hope in gradual change, but this impatience is unjustified.
Russell criticizes the Bolshevik rejection of incremental reform.
“If Communism is to have a fair chance, it must be inaugurated in a prosperous country.”
Communism can only succeed if it starts in a wealthy nation.
Russell argues that economic prosperity is a prerequisite for a successful Communist transition.
“Self-government in industry is, I believe, the road by which England can best approach Communism.”
Worker control of industries is the best path for England to move toward Communism.
Russell advocates for industrial democracy as a stepping stone.
“The Bolsheviks oppose self-government in industry everywhere, because it has failed in Russia, and their national self-esteem prevents them from admitting that this is due to the backwardness of Russia.”
The Bolsheviks reject worker self-government because it failed in Russia, but they refuse to acknowledge that Russia's backwardness caused the failure.
Russell points out the Bolsheviks' flawed generalization from Russia's unique circumstances.
“The supreme condition of success in a Communist revolution is that it should not paralyse industry.”
The most important factor for a successful Communist revolution is keeping industry running.
Russell emphasizes industrial continuity as critical to avoiding disaster.
