Leon Trotsky (1879–1940) was a Marxist revolutionary, political theorist, and key leader of the Russian Revolution.
Born Lev Bronstein in Ukraine, he co-led the Bolshevik uprising and founded the Red Army.
Trotsky advocated permanent revolution, contrasting Stalin's "socialism in one country."
After losing power to Stalin, he was exiled and assassinated in Mexico. His writings emphasized international
socialism and opposition to authoritarianism, leaving a profound impact on leftist thought.

1. Theory of Permanent Revolution
Trotsky believed that revolutions in less-developed countries, like Russia, couldn't succeed in isolation. Instead, they needed to ignite continuous revolutions globally, especially in industrialized nations, to ensure socialism's survival and development. This theory opposed the idea of "socialism in one country," championed by Stalin.
2. Role in the Russian Revolution
As a key leader of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, Trotsky organized the Petrograd Soviet and played a crucial role in overthrowing the Provisional Government. His leadership in the revolution demonstrated his ability to combine political theory with practical strategy.
3. Founding the Red Army
Trotsky created and led the Red Army during the Russian Civil War (1918–1921). His organizational skills and military strategies helped the Bolsheviks defeat their White Army opponents, consolidating Soviet power.
4. Opposition to Stalinism
Trotsky’s critique of Stalin focused on the bureaucratization of the Soviet state and the suppression of democratic debate within the Communist Party. He argued that Stalin's policies betrayed Marxist principles and led to authoritarianism.
5. Socialism and Democracy
Trotsky emphasized the need for democracy within the socialist movement, both in the party and in society. He believed that genuine socialism required active participation from the working class, not top-down control by a bureaucratic elite.
6. Internationalism
Trotsky argued that socialism must be international to succeed. He founded the Fourth International in 1938, aiming to unite revolutionary Marxists worldwide against both capitalism and Stalinist distortions of socialism.
7. Critique of Fascism
Trotsky identified fascism as a reactionary movement driven by the discontent of the middle class and supported by the capitalist elite to suppress the working class. He called for united fronts among leftist groups to combat the rise of fascism.
8. Economic and Cultural Views
Trotsky viewed economic planning as essential to socialism but warned against rigid centralization. He also highlighted the importance of culture and education in fostering a socialist consciousness.
9. Exile and Writings
After being exiled by Stalin, Trotsky continued to write extensively, analyzing the failures of the Soviet Union and articulating his vision for socialism. His works, such as The History of the Russian Revolution and The Revolution Betrayed, remain influential.
10. Assassination and Legacy
Trotsky was assassinated in 1940 in Mexico by a Stalinist agent. Despite his death, his ideas have inspired generations of activists and intellectuals, particularly those opposing authoritarianism and advocating for international socialism.
Relevance Today
Trotsky’s theories provide insights into the dynamics of revolution, the challenges of building socialism, and the dangers of bureaucracy. His critiques of authoritarianism and calls for international solidarity resonate with contemporary movements seeking social and economic justice.

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