Our Revolution: Essays on Working-Class and International Revolution, 1904-1917

Key themes

Permanent Revolution

This is Trotsky's most significant theoretical contribution explored in the book. It argues that in countries with belated capitalist development, like Russia, the bourgeois-democratic revolution (e.g., overthrowing feudalism and establishing democratic rights) cannot be completed by the weak bourgeoisie. Instead, the proletariat must seize power, carrying out both democratic and socialist tasks simultaneously. This revolution, however, cannot survive in isolation and must spread internationally to achieve full socialist transformation.

Class Struggle

Trotsky views history and political change fundamentally through the lens of class struggle. He analyzes the various classes within Russian society – the proletariat, peasantry, bourgeoisie, and aristocracy – and their conflicting interests. He posits that the struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie is the primary engine of revolution and historical progress.

Internationalism

Central to Trotsky's thought is the idea that the Russian Revolution could not be a purely national event. He argues that its ultimate success and survival depend on the spread of socialist revolution to more advanced capitalist countries in Europe. This international perspective underscores the interconnectedness of global capitalism and the necessity of global solidarity among the working class.

Worth discussing

How does Trotsky's theory of 'permanent revolution' differ from other Marxist theories of revolution, particularly those prevalent in Russia at the time?