Communism needs democracy like the human body needs oxygen.
Leon TrotskyRead
In inner-party politics, these methods lead, as we shall yet see, to this: the party organization substitutes itself for the party, the central committee substitutes itself for the organization, and, finally, a dictator substitutes himself for the central committee.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the concentration of power within party structures, leading to authoritarianism.
Leon Trotsky's quote reflects on the dangers of political power dynamics where the established structures of a party become self-serving. It highlights how, in inner-party politics, those in leadership positions can gradually replace the democratic elements of the party with a singular, authoritarian rule, ultimately resulting in a dictatorial regime devoid of true representation or accountability.
Themes
PoliticsPowerDictatorshipPartyAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the importance of checks and balances in government.
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The masses go into a revolution not with a prepared plan of social reconstruction, but with a sharp feeling that they cannot endure the old regime. Only the guiding layers of a class have a political program, and even this still requires the test of events and the approval of the masses.
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Leon TrotskyRead
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