From Lenin To Leninism

Abstract

In “From Lenin to Leninism,” Osvaldo Coggiola examines the evolution of Lenin's influence on the 20th century, as recognized by Eric Hobsbawm. Lenin's leadership during the October Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the Soviet state left an indelible mark on global history. This paper traces the transformation of Lenin's ideas into “Leninism,” a doctrine formalized posthumously, which became a foundation for the international communist movement. Coggiola highlights the contrast between Lenin's practical approach to revolutionary strategy and the rigid, bureaucratic interpretation that Stalin later imposed. The analysis delves into Lenin's theoretical contributions, particularly his views on the agrarian question and the proletarian revolution, while critiquing the subsequent misappropriation and mythologization of his legacy. This historical re-examination underscores Lenin's complex legacy and its implications for contemporary socialist thought and practice