Lars T. Lih is a scholar who lives in Montreal. His books include Bread and Authority in Russia, 1914–1921 and Lenin Rediscovered: “What is to be Done?” in Context.
Lenin died 100 years ago today, leaving behind a batch of writings that became known as his political testament. These widely misunderstood texts shed important light on his understanding of how difficult it would be to construct a socialist system in Russia.
Lenin remained true to the tactical guidelines of Karl Kautsky after the latter had abandoned them.
In the standard account, February was the good revolution and October was the extremist one. But events in Russia were far more complex than that.
Lenin and the debates that shaped the Russian Revolution have been misunderstood by friends and foes alike.
Lenin and the debates that shaped the Russian Revolution have been misunderstood by friends and foes alike.