At a glance
Trotskyism is a Marxist revolutionary tradition stressing permanent revolution, international socialism and opposition to Stalinist bureaucracy.
Core principles
- International revolution; working-class leadership; opposition to socialism in one country; workers’ democracy; revolutionary organization; anti-bureaucratic struggle.
Origins & development
It grew from Leon Trotsky’s role in the Russian Revolution and opposition to Stalin. The Fourth International was founded in 1938.
Economic outlook
Social ownership and democratic economic planning are major goals. Trotskyists criticize both capitalist exploitation and bureaucratic control over nationalized economies.
Society & government
The tradition advocates workers’ political participation but retains Leninist revolutionary organization. Trotsky’s own role in coercive Bolshevik governance complicates assessments of democratic commitments.
Variations & related traditions
Orthodox, third-camp and other Trotskyist currents differ over Soviet-type states, party strategy and international organization. Anti-Stalinism alone does not define Trotskyism.
Debates & criticisms
Critics question revolutionary feasibility, factionalism and tensions between vanguard leadership and worker autonomy. Supporters distinguish democratic socialist goals from Stalinist one-party administration.