Karl Marx

Marxism FAQ

Marxist theory is the bedrock upon which our political ideas, perspectives, and methods are built. It is our guide to action in an often confusing and chaotic world. Through the correct application of the ideas of Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Trotsky to the current world situation, we can more effectively anticipate the most likely course of events and plan our work accordingly.

Marxism is the collective, generalized experience of the world working class. By studying the past, we are able to learn from the innovations, mistakes, victories, and defeats of the working class as a whole. By studying theory, history, and the processes unfolding around us, we can, through a series of successive approximations, come to an ever-better understanding of the world and most importantly, we can change it.

This FAQ is intended as an introduction to some of the basic ideas and positions of the International Marxist Tendency. In general, we have provided short, concise answers, with plenty of suggestions for further reading, although in some cases we have provided a longer explanation. However, reading the classics of Marxism is the best way to understand these ideas. At first it may seem difficult, but every worker and young person knows that things worth having are worth working hard for! Patient and persistent study, discussion, and ultimately, the day to day application of these ideas over a lifetime are the key.

Trotsky gave some very good advice in his short article “Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin.” We recommend everyone interested in studying the ideas of Marxism start by reading it. We also suggest reading If America Should Go Communist by Leon Trotsky, The Principles of Communism by Frederick Engels, and Workshop Talks by James Connolly. We also offer a Marxist Education Plan which will help focus your studies of Marxist theory. Check out in particular the ABC of Communism by Nikolai Bukharin and Evgenii Preobrazhensky for an excellent overview of many of the basic concepts of Marxism and a look at some of the progress made during the early years of the Soviet Union.

Brief Biographies

Marxism Basics

Brief History of Marxist Internationalism

Marxist Theory

Stalinism

Marxist Philosophy

Marxist Conception of History

Marxist Economics

Marxism, Bolshevism, and Mutual Aid

On the Revolutionary Party

Religion

  • Socialism and The Churches
    A brilliant summary of the history and role of religion from a Marxist perspective. By Rosa Luxemburg.
  • Socialism and Religion
    A look at the Marxist view of religion and religious people in the socialist movement. By V.I. Lenin.

If you have theoretical questions that are not addressed in this FAQ and are interested in discussing, please email us at [email protected] to get in contact with a branch near you.


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