Totalitarian Legacy of the Bolshevik Revolution

The collection of essays by Bolshevism and world communism scholars examines the human costs of the Bolshevik Revolution, its contribution to the spread of totalitarianism, and the responses it inspired among American and Western intellectuals. It provides an accurate depiction of Bolshevism and its consequences based on research and intelligence, rejecting the poesy of totalitarianism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

In this comprehensive collection, esteemed scholars of Bolshevism and world communism delve into the profound human costs of the Bolshevik Revolution, its profound impact on the spread of totalitarianism, and the responses it elicited among American and Western intellectuals. Through their insightful essays, these scholars offer a resolute rejection of the romanticized portrayal of totalitarianism, grounded in rigorous research and meticulous analysis of the limitations of utopian politics and the perils of ideologies rooted in the superficial aesthetic of moral perfectionism and lyrical intoxication. This study stands as a definitive and concise portrayal of Bolshevism and its consequences, drawing upon a wealth of decades of research, including access to former Soviet archival materials and American intelligence, such as the Venona files.

The Bolshevik Revolution, a pivotal event in 20th-century history, left a lasting imprint on the world. Its impact extended far beyond the borders of Russia, shaping the political and social landscapes of many countries. In this collection, esteemed scholars of Bolshevism and world communism examine the human costs of the Revolution, its contribution to the spread of totalitarianism, and the responses it inspired among American and Western intellectuals.

The essays in this collection provide a sobering account of the human suffering and loss that resulted from the Bolshevik Revolution. The authors highlight the brutal repression and persecution of political opponents, the forced collectivization of agriculture, and the devastating effects of war and economic instability on the Russian people. They also examine the broader implications of the Revolution, such as the spread of Soviet influence and the emergence of new totalitarian regimes in other parts of the world.

One of the central themes of the collection is the impact of the Bolshevik Revolution on the spread of totalitarianism. The authors argue that the Bolsheviks' belief in a single-party state, their disregard for individual rights and freedoms, and their promotion of a radical ideology of social and economic transformation paved the way for the emergence of other totalitarian regimes. They note that the Soviet Union's expansionist policies and its pursuit of global dominance further contributed to the spread of totalitarianism, particularly during the Cold War era.

The responses of American and Western intellectuals to the Bolshevik Revolution are also explored in the collection. The authors note that many intellectuals were initially drawn to the Bolsheviks' promise of social and economic equality and their vision of a new world order. However, as the realities of Soviet rule became more apparent, many intellectuals began to criticize the regime for its human rights abuses and its disregard for democratic principles.

The collection includes a range of perspectives and approaches, from historical analysis to political philosophy. The authors draw on a wealth of primary sources, including archival materials, memoirs, and personal accounts, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Bolshevik Revolution and its consequences.

In conclusion, this collection offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Bolshevik Revolution and its impact on the world. The essays provide a sobering account of the human costs of the Revolution, its contribution to the spread of totalitarianism, and the responses it inspired among American and Western intellectuals. By examining the complexities and contradictions of the Bolshevik experiment, the collection encourages us to reflect on the dangers of ideological extremism and the importance of democratic values and human rights.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 151 x 231 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793605351