this post was submitted on 30 Dec 2025
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I agree that there has to be a group leading the planning and organization of the movement as a whole but I don't think that Lenin succeeded where others failed because of adherence to correct theory. The Bolsheviks certainly didn't all agree with each others interpretation of Marxism and I'd imagine that all of the uprisings you mentioned certainly had their own specific circumstances that derailed well meaning intentions gleaned from what someone believed was correct.
I'll personally get lots of use from your reading list, but I think it's important to understand that some of us will always gain a better understanding of what constitutes theory by seeing it applied to a particular performative action.
Lenin succeeded largely because he was more correct, and because the material conditions of Russia favored his analysis and practice. Theory without practice is worthless, as is practice without theory, they must be unified. You're correct in saying that each country has its own characteristics, but this is precisely why we need to actively practice to confirm that which is universal and that which is particular.