松易涅

Vanguard Theory#

To systematically model and analyze the vanguard theory of Marxism-Leninism, one can base it on the general principles of systems theory (such as the components, structure, function, and evolution of systems) and conduct a systematic analysis from multiple levels including the logical structure of the theory, its operational mechanisms, and historical evolution. Below is a framework for modeling and analysis:

1. Clarify the system's boundaries and elements

The vanguard theory can be viewed as a subsystem of a specific social system (the proletarian revolution and social transformation system), and it is essential to clarify its basic components and boundaries:

• System boundaries:
  • The applicability of the vanguard theory mainly revolves around social transformation activities centered on the proletarian revolution.
  • The external environment of the system includes the capitalist social structure, the structure of class struggle, and other social forces (such as the bourgeoisie, peasant class, etc.).
• System elements:
  • Subject elements: The proletarian vanguard (usually the proletarian party).
  • Goal elements: To achieve the dictatorship of the proletariat and ultimately transition to a communist society.
  • Resource elements: Including theoretical resources (Marxist theory), organizational resources (party members, cadres), and material resources (economic support, etc.).
  • Functional elements: The educational, organizational, mobilization, and leadership functions of the vanguard.

2. Structural analysis of the system

Based on the principles of systems theory, one can analyze the internal structure of the vanguard theory and its relationship with external systems:

• Internal structure:
  • Class attributes: The vanguard, as the leading force of the proletariat, must primarily consist of members from the working class and possess a high level of class consciousness.
  • Organizational structure: The vanguard is centered on the principle of democratic centralism, with a highly centralized and unified internal organization that has a strict organizational system.
  • Functional division: The vanguard system has clearly defined divisions of labor, such as theoretical propaganda, mass mobilization, policy formulation, and execution.
• Coupling with the external environment:
  • There is a close coupling relationship between the vanguard and the proletariat, where the vanguard enhances the class consciousness of the proletariat through propaganda, organization, and education.
  • The vanguard has a dynamic relationship of struggle, alliance, or compromise with external classes (such as the bourgeoisie, peasants, and petty bourgeoisie).

3. Functional analysis of the system

Systems theory emphasizes understanding the operational logic of the system from a functional perspective. The core functions of the vanguard theory in the proletarian revolution include:

• Leadership function:
  • The vanguard provides strategic guidance for the proletarian revolution by mastering advanced theories and clear struggle objectives.
• Mobilization function:
  • As the organizational core of the proletariat, the vanguard takes on the task of mobilizing the masses and strengthening the revolutionary forces.
• Integration function:
  • The vanguard strengthens internal cohesion through democratic centralism while coordinating relationships with different class forces (such as the peasant class).
• Theoretical innovation function:
  • The vanguard continuously develops Marxist theory in practice to respond to the ever-changing social environment and revolutionary situation.

4. Dynamic evolution analysis of the system

Systems theory also focuses on the evolutionary laws of systems. In the vanguard theory, one can analyze its dynamic evolution process:

• Initial state: The formation of the vanguard usually stems from the combination of revolutionary theory and proletarian practice (such as the development of Bolshevism from Marxism and the Russian workers' movement).

• Self-organization and adaptability:

  • The vanguard continuously adapts to changes in the external environment in practice. For example, in capitalist society, facing the oppression of the bourgeoisie, the vanguard needs to constantly adjust its strategies (such as underground struggle, armed struggle, legal struggle, etc.).

• Feedback mechanism:

  • The operation of the vanguard relies on interactive feedback with the proletariat and other social classes. Through connections with the masses, summarizing revolutionary practices, and theoretical revisions, the vanguard continuously improves itself.

• Evolutionary path:

  • After the success of the revolution, the vanguard transitions from being the leading force of the revolution to being the leading force of the state. At this point, the system's functions may shift (such as bureaucratization and high concentration of power), requiring mechanism design to avoid functional degradation of the system.

5. System modeling

Based on the above analysis, the vanguard theory can be formally modeled using system diagrams or mathematical models. Below is a simplified system framework:

(1) System framework diagram:

+-------------------+
|   External Environment System    |
|  (Capitalist Structure)   |
+-------------------+
         |
         v
+-------------------+
|   Proletarian Vanguard   |
| (Leadership and Organization Center)  |
+-------------------+
   |          |
   v          v
+------+    +-------------------+
| Revolution  |    |  Proletarian Mass System |
| Practice  |    |   (Mobilized Force)   |
+------+    +-------------------+

(2) Mathematical model representation:

Assuming the operation of the vanguard can be represented by the following variables:

• L(t): Leadership of the vanguard (changes over time).
• M(t): Mobilization level of the proletariat.
• R(t): Revolutionary outcomes (such as the degree of victory in class struggle).
• E(t): External environmental pressure (such as the degree of oppression from capitalism).

The dynamics of the vanguard can be represented as:

1. Change in leadership:

• dL/dt = αM(t) - βE(t) (Leadership increases with mobilization but is weakened by external environmental pressure)

2. Change in mobilization level:

• dM/dt = γL(t) - δM(t) (Mobilization is driven by the leadership of the vanguard but experiences natural decay)

3. Change in revolutionary outcomes:

• dR/dt = ηM(t) - ζR(t) (Revolutionary outcomes are driven by mobilization but may face losses)

By adjusting parameters (such as α, β, γ, δ), one can simulate the dynamic behavior of the vanguard under different historical conditions.

6. System optimization and evaluation

According to the goal-oriented principles of systems theory, the practice of the vanguard theory can be optimized from the following aspects:

• Enhance system adaptability: Through theoretical innovation and practical summarization, ensure that the vanguard theory can respond to changes in social environments across different historical periods.
• Establish efficient feedback mechanisms: Ensure that the vanguard can timely obtain the opinions and needs of the masses, preventing bureaucratic tendencies.
• Prevent functional degradation: Design supervision and checks and balances mechanisms to avoid the vanguard losing its proletarian class attributes after the success of the revolution.

Through modeling and analysis using systems theory, the internal logic, operational mechanisms, and evolutionary laws of the Marxist-Leninist vanguard theory can be more clearly described. This not only helps deepen the understanding of the core ideas of this theory but also provides systematic theoretical support for its practice in different historical environments.

Theory of Permanent Revolution#

The theory of Permanent Revolution is an important theory of Trotsky within the Marxist school, primarily explaining how to promote social transformation through a proletarian-led revolution in underdeveloped capitalist countries, especially semi-colonial and semi-feudal countries, thereby achieving global socialist revolution. The following is a modeling and analysis of the theory of Permanent Revolution from the perspective of systems theory.

1. Clarify the system's boundaries and elements

The first step in systems analysis is to clarify the boundaries of the system, its components, and their interrelationships.

(1) System boundaries

• Internal system: The 主体 of Permanent Revolution (the proletariat and its party), revolutionary goals (the combination of democratic revolution and socialist revolution).
• External environment: The global capitalist system, domestic feudal forces and bourgeoisie, and the state of the international working-class movement.

(2) System elements
Subject elements

• Proletariat: The core force of the revolution, responsible for leading the revolution.
• Proletarian vanguard: The revolutionary party advocated by Trotsky, leading the proletariat to complete revolutionary tasks.
• Other class forces: Including peasants (potentially important allied forces) and weak national bourgeoisie (whose attitude towards the revolution is ambivalent).

Functional elements

• Function of the democratic revolution: Overthrowing feudalism and colonialism, addressing land issues, national independence issues, etc.
• Function of the socialist revolution: Abolishing capitalist private ownership, advancing international proletarian revolution.
• Function of international revolution: Promoting the success of global revolution through internationalist alliances.

Resource elements

• Domestic resources: Organizational capacity of the working class, leadership of the revolutionary party, support from the masses.
• International resources: Support from the international working-class movement, opportunities from the global capitalist crisis.

2. Structural analysis of the system

According to the principles of systems theory, the theory of Permanent Revolution can be understood as a multi-level dynamic system, with its internal structure and external interaction relationships as follows:

(1) Internal structure
The core structure of the theory of Permanent Revolution is the unity of the democratic revolution and the socialist revolution:

• Continuity of revolutionary goals: The theory of Permanent Revolution posits that in underdeveloped capitalist countries, the democratic revolution (such as land reform, national independence) cannot be completed by a weak bourgeoisie but must be led by the proletariat and directly transition to the socialist revolution.
• Continuity of class leadership: The proletariat must maintain its leadership position in the revolution to avoid the bourgeoisie or petty bourgeoisie seizing leadership.
• Continuity of international revolution: A revolution in a single country cannot succeed; it must rely on the united struggle of the international working class.

(2) External structure

• Relationship with domestic classes:
  • Peasant class: As an important allied force in the revolution, they can promote land reform, but their class limitations require the leadership of the proletariat.
  • National bourgeoisie: They may initially support the democratic revolution, but once the revolution threatens their interests, they will turn to counter-revolution.
• Relationship with the international environment:
  • Capitalist system: The theory of Permanent Revolution emphasizes that the global capitalist system's economic and political control over backward countries is the main obstacle to revolution.
  • International working-class movement: The proletarian revolution must succeed through the united struggle of the international working class; a single country cannot independently achieve socialism.

3. Functional analysis of the system

Systems theory emphasizes understanding the purpose and manner of system operation from a functional perspective. The core functions of the theory of Permanent Revolution include the following aspects:

(1) Guiding function

• By ensuring the continuity of the revolution, it avoids the separation of the democratic revolution and the socialist revolution, ensuring that the ultimate goal of the revolution is global socialism.

(2) Mobilization function

• Integrating the working class, peasant class, and oppressed nations into a unified revolutionary force.
• The proletariat leads the peasants to achieve land reform while striving for national independence and victories in anti-colonial struggles.

(3) Internationalism function

• The goals of the revolution are not limited to the home country but aim to promote international revolution to collapse the global capitalist system.

(4) Transformation function

• After overthrowing the old system, rapidly transforming the economic and social structure towards socialism, such as abolishing private ownership and achieving public ownership of the means of production.

4. Dynamic evolution analysis of the system

The system of Permanent Revolution can be understood from the perspective of evolution regarding its revolutionary path and development stages.

(1) Initial state

• Social conditions: The economic and social structure of semi-colonial and semi-feudal countries, with insufficient capitalist development, where feudal remnants and colonial oppression coexist.
• Revolutionary situation: The proletariat is weak in numbers and strength, but due to the weakness of the bourgeoisie, it can undertake the historical task of revolutionary leadership.

(2) Continuity of revolutionary stages

• Democratic revolution stage:
  • Goals: Overthrow feudalism, address land issues, achieve national independence.
  • Subject: Led by the proletariat, with the peasant class as the main ally.
  • Dynamics: Prevent the bourgeoisie from seizing leadership after the success of the revolution and establishing bourgeois dictatorship.
• Socialist revolution stage:
  • Goals: Abolish capitalist private ownership, establish the dictatorship of the proletariat.
  • Dynamics: The proletariat firmly holds power through the revolutionary party and carries out socialist economic and social transformations.

(3) Dynamic coupling of international revolution

• Limitations of a single country: Trotsky believed that a revolution in a single country cannot withstand the global pressures of capitalism and must achieve the united struggle of the global working class through international revolution.
• Feedback of international revolution: If the international revolution fails, a single country may fall into isolation, facing counterattacks or degeneration from capitalism.

5. System modeling

(1) System framework diagram

+---------------------------+
|   Global Capitalist System        |
| (External Environment, Exploitation and Oppression)    |
+---------------------------+
                 |
                 v
+---------------------------+
|    Domestic Class Structure           |
| (Proletariat, Peasants, Bourgeoisie) |
+---------------------------+
      |                  |
      v                  v
+------------+       +-------------------+
|   Democratic Revolution  |       | Socialist Revolution      |
| (Land Reform, |       | (Public Ownership of Means of Production, |
| National Independence)  |       | International Revolutionary Links)     |
+------------+       +-------------------+
       |                         |
       v                         v
+--------------------------------------------+
|        Spread of Global Revolution and Socialist Construction         |
+--------------------------------------------+

(2) Mathematical model representation

Assuming the following variables:

• W(t): Revolutionary strength of the proletariat.
• P(t): Participation level of the peasant class.
• C(t): Global influence of capitalism.
• I(t): Support strength of the international working class.

Dynamic relationships can be described as:

1. Change in proletarian revolutionary strength:

• dW/dt = αP(t) + βI(t) - γC(t) (The strength of the proletariat is driven by peasant participation and international support but weakened by capitalist repression)

2. Change in peasant participation level:

• dP/dt = δW(t) - εP(t) (Peasant participation is driven by the leadership of the proletariat but experiences natural decay)

3. Change in international working-class support strength:

• dI/dt = ζW(t) - ηC(t) (International working-class support is stimulated by the success of domestic revolution but weakened by the global influence of capitalism)

4. Change in global capitalist influence:

• dC/dt = θC(t) - κ(W(t) + I(t)) (The influence of capitalism naturally grows but is weakened by revolutionary strength)

By adjusting parameters (such as α, β, γ, etc.), one can simulate the dynamic evolution of Permanent Revolution under different historical conditions.

6. System optimization and evaluation

From the perspective of systems theory, the optimization of the theory of Permanent Revolution can be approached from the following aspects:

• Strengthen international connections: Enhance the global nature of revolutionary victory through the united struggle of the international working class.
• Coordinate class alliances: Ensure that the proletariat maintains its leadership position in the revolution while seeking support from peasants and other oppressed classes.
• Prevent the separation of revolutions: Through theoretical and organizational continuity, avoid the disconnection of the goals of the democratic revolution and the socialist revolution.

Through systems theory modeling, the internal logic, operational mechanisms, and evolution of the theory of Permanent Revolution can be more clearly described. This analysis not only reveals the complexity of the theory of Permanent Revolution but also provides a theoretical basis for its practical application.

Bureaucratic Substitution and Alienation Corruption#

The vanguard theory of Marxism-Leninism emphasizes that the vanguard is not only a leading force in the revolutionary process but also assumes the main executive role of state power after the victory of the revolution. However, this process may lead to the phenomenon of "bureaucratic substitution" (the vanguard replacing the proletarian masses in exercising power) and the issue of "alienation corruption" (the vanguard or its leadership becoming detached from the proletariat's class attributes due to a lack of supervision and mass participation, even becoming a new privileged class). From the perspective of systems theory, this issue can be modeled and analyzed.

1. Clarify the system's boundaries and elements

The first step in systems analysis is to clarify the boundaries of the research object and its components.

(1) System boundaries

• Internal system: Proletarian vanguard, proletarian masses, state power institutions.
• External environment: Domestic and international class struggles, socio-economic conditions, pressures from the international capitalist system.

(2) System elements
Subject elements

• Proletarian vanguard: As the leading force, it holds state power and is responsible for managing production, distribution, and state affairs.
• Proletarian masses: As the masters of the state, they should theoretically participate in managing power, but in practice, they may be marginalized due to the vanguard's "substitution."
• State power institutions: Tools of the dictatorship of the proletariat, which should serve the proletariat but may evolve into a bureaucratic system independent of the proletariat.

Functional elements

• Functions of the vanguard: Leading the proletariat to establish a socialist economy, managing state affairs, and resisting external threats.
• Functions of the masses: Supervising the vanguard and exercising management power through participation mechanisms (such as trade unions, soviets, democratic institutions).
• Functions of state power: Executing the will of the proletariat and promoting the transition of society towards communism.

Resource elements

• Political resources: Theoretical level of the vanguard, organizational capacity, trust from the masses.
• Economic resources: Productive forces of the socialist economic system, distribution mechanisms.
• Social resources: Willingness and ability of the proletarian masses to participate.

2. Structural analysis of the system

The system structure after the vanguard seizes state power can be broken down into the following levels:

(1) Internal logic of power structure

• Relationship between the vanguard and the masses:
  • Theoretically: The vanguard is the leading force of the proletariat and must accept the supervision of the proletariat.
  • In practice: After the vanguard seizes state power, it may replace the masses in managing economic and social affairs, leading to the phenomenon of "bureaucratic substitution."
• Relationship between the vanguard and state power institutions:
  • Theoretically: State power institutions are tools for executing the will of the vanguard and the proletariat.
  • In practice: Over time, state power institutions may gradually become independent, forming a bureaucratic system that controls the vanguard and detaches from the proletariat.

(2) Feedback mechanisms in the system

• Positive feedback (reinforcement phenomenon): The centralization of power by the vanguard leads to further loss of participation opportunities for the masses, thereby reinforcing the vanguard's "substitution" behavior.
• Negative feedback (suppression phenomenon): If the masses can effectively supervise the vanguard, the issues of bureaucratic substitution and alienation corruption can be alleviated.

(3) Impact of external pressures

• Domestic economic and social conditions: Economic backwardness and social contradictions may force the vanguard to adopt a highly centralized management approach, further reinforcing the phenomenon of "bureaucratic substitution."
• Pressure from international capitalism: External threats may lead the vanguard to concentrate power under the pretext of "defending the revolution," sacrificing the democratic rights of the masses.

3. Functional analysis of the system

From the perspective of system functions, one can analyze the formation and development of the issues of "bureaucratic substitution" and "alienation corruption":

(1) Deviations in the functions of the vanguard

• Initial function: The initial function of the vanguard is to represent the proletariat in exercising power, organizing production, and managing society.
• Deviated function: Due to the concentration of power, the vanguard may gradually detach from the masses, becoming an independent power class that even suppresses mass participation.

(2) Weakening of the functions of the masses

• Initial function: The masses, as the 主体 of the dictatorship of the proletariat, need to participate in managing state affairs through democratic mechanisms.
• Weakened function: Due to the vanguard's "substitution" of power, the participation of the masses becomes formalized, gradually losing actual control over state power.

(3) Alienation of state power

• Initial function: State power, as a tool of the dictatorship of the proletariat, serves the interests of the proletariat.
• Alienated function: State power gradually becomes an independent bureaucratic machine, even oppressing the proletariat.

4. Dynamic evolution analysis of the system

The dynamic process of power after the vanguard takes power can be divided into the following stages:

(1) Power centralization stage

• Characteristics: After seizing state power, the vanguard centralizes management power to consolidate its rule and promote social transformation.
• Dynamics:
  • Economically: There is a need to concentrate resources for socialist construction.
  • Politically: Facing threats from domestic and foreign counter-revolutionary forces.
• Hidden dangers: The participation of the masses is weakened, and the vanguard gradually sees itself as the only legitimate subject of power.

(2) Bureaucratic substitution stage

• Characteristics: The vanguard replaces the masses in exercising power, and the masses gradually lose actual participation rights.
• Dynamics:
  • Subjective intentions of the vanguard: They believe they are more capable of managing state affairs.
  • Objective conditions: The masses find it difficult to participate widely due to economic backwardness and insufficient education.
• Result: The vanguard gradually detaches from the masses, forming a tendency toward "vanguard bureaucratization."

(3) Alienation corruption stage

• Characteristics: The vanguard or its leadership gradually alienates into an independent privileged class, fundamentally changing the relationship between state power institutions and the proletariat.
• Dynamics:
  • The high concentration of power lacks supervision.
  • The expansion of the bureaucratic system becomes an independent interest group.
• Result: The vanguard loses its proletarian class attributes, and the state apparatus may degenerate into an oppressive tool.

5. System modeling

(1) System framework diagram

+---------------------------+
|       External Environment            |
|  (Pressure from International Capitalism)       |
+---------------------------+
                 |
                 v
+---------------------------+
|       Centralization of Vanguard Power       |
| (Proletarian Masses Marginalized)    |
+---------------------------+
                 |
                 v
+---------------------------+
|      Bureaucratic Substitution Phenomenon         |
| (Vanguard Replaces Masses' Power)      |
+---------------------------+
                 |
                 v
+---------------------------+
|     Alienation Corruption Issue          |
| (Vanguard Becomes a Privileged Class)      |
+---------------------------+
                 |
                 v
+---------------------------+
|  Opposition Between Masses and Vanguard       |
| (Degeneration of the Dictatorship of the Proletariat)     |
+---------------------------+

(2) Mathematical model representation

Assuming the following variables:

• P(t): Degree of power centralization of the vanguard.
• M(t): Actual participation level of the proletarian masses.
• B(t): Intensity of bureaucratic substitution phenomenon.
• E(t): Degree of alienation corruption.
• F(t): Trust level of the masses in the vanguard.

Dynamic relationships can be described by the following equations:

1. Change in vanguard power centralization:

• dP/dt = α - βM(t) (The centralization of the vanguard's power is suppressed by the actual participation of the masses)

2. Change in mass participation:

• dM/dt = γF(t) - δB(t) (Mass participation increases due to trust in the vanguard but is weakened by bureaucratic substitution)

3. Change in bureaucratic substitution:

• dB/dt = εP(t) - ζM(t) (Bureaucratic substitution intensifies with the centralization of vanguard power but can be weakened by mass participation)

4. Change in alienation corruption:

• dE/dt = ηB(t) - θF(t) (Alienation corruption intensifies due to bureaucratic substitution but can be alleviated through mass supervision and trust)

5. Change in mass trust:

• dF/dt = ιM(t) - κE(t) (Mass trust increases with actual participation but is weakened by alienation corruption)

6. System optimization and evaluation

To address the issues of "bureaucratic substitution" and "alienation corruption," the system can be optimized from the following aspects:

(1) Enhance mass participation

• Establish bottom-up democratic mechanisms that allow the masses to effectively supervise and participate in state affairs, weakening the centralization of the vanguard's power.

(2) Check the vanguard

• Establish effective checks and balances to prevent excessive centralization of power by the vanguard and its leadership.

(3) Prevent bureaucratization

• Limit the independence and bureaucratization tendencies of state power institutions through regular rotation of cadres and transparent decision-making mechanisms.

(4) International support

• Promote international revolution to alleviate the pressures of the external capitalist system, preventing the vanguard from further centralizing power under the pretext of "security."

Through systems theory modeling and analysis, the internal logic and possible evolutionary paths of the "bureaucratic substitution" and "alienation corruption" issues faced by the proletarian vanguard after seizing state power can be more clearly revealed, while providing theoretical basis and optimization suggestions to prevent these issues. This perspective helps explore how to enable the vanguard to more effectively represent the interests of the proletariat rather than becoming a new ruling class.