Marxism vs. Leninism — What's the Difference?

A worldview centered on the proletariat's overthrow of the bourgeoisie.

The belief in a transitional dictatorship of the proletariat.

A socio-political theory emphasizing class struggle.

An adaptation of Marxist theory emphasizing a vanguard party's role.

A critique of the capitalist mode of production.

A pragmatic application of Marxist ideals.

An economic theory where value is determined by labor.

A Marxist approach tailored to conditions of early 20th century Russia.

The belief in the communal ownership of means of production.

A focus on imperialism's role in global politics.

Marxism is a method of socioeconomic analysis that uses a materialist interpretation of historical development, better known as historical materialism, to understand class relations and social conflict as well as a dialectical perspective to view social transformation. It originates from the works of 19th-century German philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Leninism is a political ideology developed by Russian Marxist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin that proposes the establishment of the dictatorship of the proletariat led by a revolutionary vanguard party, as the political prelude to the establishment of communism. The function of the Leninist vanguard party is to provide the working classes with the political consciousness (education and organisation) and revolutionary leadership necessary to depose capitalism in the Russian Empire (1721–1917).

The political and economic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in which the concept of class struggle plays a central role in understanding society's allegedly inevitable development from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a socialist and ultimately classless society.

The theory and practice of proletarian revolution as developed by Lenin.

Alternative case form of Marxism

A form of communism based on the writings of Marx and Lenin; called also Marxism-Leninism.

A system of economic and political thought, originated by Karl Marx, and elaborated by others. It holds that the state has been the a device for suppression of the masses, allowing exploitation by a dominant (capitalistic) class; that historical change occurs through class struggle; and that the capitalist system will inevitably wither away to be superseded by a classless society.

The political and economic theories of Lenin which provided the guiding doctrine of the Soviet Union; the modification of Marxism by Lenin stressed that imperialism is the highest form of capitalism (which shifts the struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries)

The economic and political theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that hold that human actions and institutions are economically determined and that class struggle is needed to create historical change and that capitalism will untimately be superseded by communism

Leninism is an adaptation of Marxism, tailored to specific conditions and emphasizing a vanguard party's role.

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Marxism focuses on class dynamics and doesn't specifically prescribe a single-party rule like Leninism does.

Marxism is a theory emphasizing class struggle and the communal ownership of production means.

While both envision a classless society, Marxism is the theoretical framework, and communism is the end goal.

He believed Russia's unique conditions required a tailored approach to achieve Marxist goals.

Vladimir Lenin.

Yes, Leninism is rooted in Marxist theory, but not all Marxists are Leninists.

Marxism provides a general framework that can be adapted to various contexts, as seen with Leninism in Russia.

It's a transitional state where the working class holds political power to prevent counter-revolutionary actions.

Leninism places a stronger emphasis on the role and critique of imperialism in global politics.

A communist society without class distinctions.

Both critique capitalism but Marxism offers a broader analysis, while Leninism focuses on tactical overthrow.

Marxism emphasizes a natural overthrow of capitalists by workers, while Leninism promotes a vanguard party-led revolution.

Yes, Leninism is seen as a more pragmatic and tactical application of Marxist ideals.