Communist Party of China and Marxism, 1921-1985: A Self-Portrait

This book follows the development of the Communist Party and Marxism in China from the early years, relying on revelations in the Communist press of the early 1980s. It is the story of the Chinese Communist Party in its own words.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2018
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The Communist Party plays a pivotal
fundamental role in understanding China, as it has held a dominant position in the country's political landscape for an extensive period. This book delves into the historical development of both the Communist Party and Marxism in China, tracing their evolution from the early years. For the period spanning 1921 to 1949, the book primarily relies on revelations from the Communist press of the early 1980s, a time when Chinese historians of the Party enjoyed relative freedom to write. In the context of the People's Republic, which commenced in 1949, the book summarizes the author's observations and reports from China News Analysis. Essentially, this book presents the Chinese Communist Party's narrative in its own words, providing a comprehensive account of its origins, growth, and impact on Chinese society.

The Communist Party's origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when a group of intellectuals and activists in China were influenced by the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. These individuals formed the Communist League, which later became the Communist Party of China. The Party's early leaders, including Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, were committed to implementing Marxist principles in China, and they established a socialist state in 1949.

Over the years, the Communist Party has undergone significant changes and adaptations to the changing political and social landscape of China. It has faced numerous challenges, including internal dissent, economic reform, and geopolitical tensions with the United States and other countries. However, the Party has remained resilient and has continued to play a crucial role in shaping China's development.

One of the key aspects of the Communist Party's development is its ideology. The Party subscribes to Marxist-Leninist philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of class struggle and the eventual abolition of private ownership of the means of production. The Party has implemented a series of economic policies, including collectivization of agriculture, state ownership of industry, and social welfare programs, to achieve its goals.

The Communist Party has also played a significant role in shaping China's political system. The Party has maintained a one-party system, in which it controls all political power and decision-making. This has allowed the Party to implement its policies and programs effectively and to maintain a stable and prosperous society.

However, the Communist Party has also faced criticism and opposition from various quarters. Some critics argue that the Party's policies have led to economic stagnation, social inequality, and human rights. Others argue that the Party's authoritarianism and lack of democratic freedoms have violated human rights and freedoms.

Despite these criticisms, the Communist Party has remained a dominant force in Chinese politics. The Party has continued to implement its policies and programs, and it has maintained a strong hold on power. The Party's influence extends beyond China's borders, as it has played a role in shaping the political and economic policies of other countries in the region, including North Korea, Vietnam, and Cuba.

In conclusion, the Communist Party plays a fundamental role in understanding China's political and social landscape. The Party's development, ideology, and policies have shaped the country's history and have had a profound impact on the lives of its citizens. While the Party has faced criticism and opposition, it has remained resilient and has continued to play a crucial role in shaping China's future. As China continues to evolve and develop, the Communist Party will likely continue to play a significant role in shaping the country's political and social landscape.

Weight: 790g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849049108
Edition number: New paperback edition