Detailed explanation of Trotskyism｜Analysis of 8Values ideological test results
Interpretation of the 8Values test official website: A comprehensive analysis of the ideological origin, political stance and realistic challenges of Trotskyism. Learn about your 8Values ideological test results and explore more types of political positions.
Trotskyism is an important ideological branch originating from the left-wing revolutionary movement in the 20th century. It is one of the representative results of many 8Values ideological tests for middle and high "equality" and middle and high "liberty" score users. This article will deeply analyze the theoretical basis, core propositions, and differences with other socialist thoughts, and combine it with the 8 values test dimension to position it. If you haven't tested it yet, it is recommended to visit the 8Values political stance test first, or check the complete collection of ideological results to understand the comparison of different political tendencies.
What is Trotskyism?
Trotskyism is a Marxist variant developed by the Soviet revolutionary Leon Trotsky. It emphasizes international revolution , proletarian democracy and fundamental criticism of Stalinism .
The core creed of Trotskyism can be summed up in one sentence: "Without a global revolution, there will be no lasting victory of socialism."
Unlike Stalinism's emphasis on "one country builds socialism", Trotskyism advocates that only the global proletarian integration struggle can eradicate the roots of capitalism and its reproduction.
Theoretical Origin and Core Thought of Trotskyism
Trotskyism originated from the struggle for internal Soviet lines after the October Revolution. Trotsky was exiled after his failed battle for leadership with Stalin, but his ideas then formed an independent school around the world, and it still has far-reaching influence today.
Core theory claims:
- Permanent Revolution : Revolution will not stay at the national level and must be expanded globally;
- Workers' Democracy : Oppose bureaucratization and advocate the restoration of Soviet democratic system;
- Internationalism : emphasizes the world unity of the proletariat and supports transnational revolution;
- Anti-Stalinism : It believes that the Stalinist regime is a betrayal of the revolution and establishes a "degenerate working state."
Trotsky's criticism of the Soviet Union was extremely sharp, recognizing the socialist nature of its economic foundation, and criticizing the authoritarian degeneration of its political system, advocating political revolutions to cleanse the bureaucratic class.
Performance in 8Values Ideological Test
In the 8 values test dimension, Trotskyism usually has the following characteristics:
| Test dimensions | Positive score | describe |
|---|---|---|
| Equality vs. Markets | Extreme egalitarianism | Support the planned economy and oppose the market mechanism |
| Democracy (Authority vs. Liberty) | Medium-high liberalism | Support workers' democracy and oppose bureaucracy |
| Society (Tradition vs. Progress) | High progressiveism | Oppose traditional cultural oppression and advocate social reform |
| Diplomacy (Nation vs. Globe) | Extreme internationalism | Oppose nationalism and promote the global revolutionary united front |
Want to check whether you are close to Trotskyism? Visit the 8Values test page to quickly locate your political spectrum; or check other adjacent ideas in the All Ideological Results page , such as Leninism, Orthodox Marxism, etc.
The difference between Trotskyism and other left-wing ideas
| Thoughts | Attitude to the country | Revolutionary path | Views on bureaucracy | The main differences from Trotskyist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leninism | Support the dictatorship of the proletariat | Revolutionary Transition + Building a Country | Accepting a certain bureaucratic structure in the early stage | Trotskyism emphasizes workers' democracy and prevent bureaucracy |
| Stalinism | Support strong national centralization | A country's socialism | Bureaucracy is a tool for national construction | Trotskyists completely anti-bureaucrats, believing that they betray the revolution |
| Anage Communism | Negate all national forms | Disintegrate the country and market immediately | Negating the legitimacy of bureaucracy | Trotsky accepted transitional state form |
| Social Democracy | Passing parliamentary system reform | Progressive, non-violent | Accept national system improvement | Trotskyist believe this is destined to be incorporated by the bourgeoisie |
Trotskyism's realistic political stance and organizational strategy
The Trotskyists have formed multiple political parties and international organizations around the world. Although they are usually not large in scale, they are extremely combative and theoretically conscious. Its real claims include:
- Fully nationalized key industries and placed under workers' management;
- Oppose the hypocrisy of parliamentary democracy and emphasize the direct action of the masses;
- United all marginal oppressed groups: women, minorities, immigrants, laborers;
- Promote street politics such as student movements, workers' strikes, anti-war protests;
- Oppose imperialism, NATO and capitalist globalization.
Is Trotskyism suitable for you?
You may be inclined to Trotskyism if you:
- Support the socialist economic system, but do not trust the existing "socialist countries";
- Deeply wary of the authoritativeism of the Stalin model;
- Believe in the global nature of the revolution, not the socialist experiment within the national scope;
- He is both disgusted with capitalism, but also dislikes the bureaucracy and party-nationalization;
- Willing to take a radical stance for the unity between the working class and the oppressed.
If you show in 8 values: high Equality + medium-high Liberty + extreme internationalism , Trotskyism may be a political stance that is highly consistent with your values.
Test your ideological match now: Click to enter the 8Values test
The Historical Heritage and Influence of Trotskyism
Although Trotskyism has never dominated a country, its theoretical influence has spread across the global left-wing political circle:
- Fourth International : Founded by Trotsky himself in 1938, opposing Stalinism;
- Organizations such as France's "Revolutionary Communist Party" , Argentina's "Socialist Workers' Party" , and British SWP had a wide influence in the 20th century;
- Trotskyist ideas remain active in modern anti-globalization movements, anti-imperialist protests, and labor organizations;
- Many famous intellectuals such as Tony Cliff and Ernest Mandel all came from the Trotskyist camp.
Summarize
Trotskyism is a high theoretical density and strong internationalist oriented socialist school that advocates the destruction of capitalism through the enduring revolution of the global proletariat while defending the worker's democracy within socialism. It rejects pseudo-socialism of the "left bureaucracy" and is also wary of the compromise stance of the moderate reformists. It is one of the most revolutionary and critical ideologies in the 8Values ideological test.
If you wish to continue exploring more subtle differences between ideological positions, welcome to the Ideological Results Overview page to discover your exact location in the political spectrum.