Thinking Like a Communist - Softcover

Smith, Tony

3.29

7 ratings by Goodreads

9780393956917: Thinking Like a Communist

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0393956911 ISBN 13: 9780393956917

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 1987

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This particular study shows how the theories of Marx and Lenin have shaped communist practice, in particular how Lenin's model adapted to diverse conditions in Russia, China, and Cuba.

It offers valuable insights into the possible limits of change in communist societies, and into the future course of East-West relations.

"Prof. Smith's brief incisively written book is worth pondering because, among other things, it is high;y relevant to the question of the likelihood of transformation of communist thinking, and how to appraise its authenticity." ―Sidney Hook, senior fellow, Hoover Institution, in the Wall Street Journal

"[Smith's] critique of Marxism-Leninism as practiced throughout the world has great elegance of construction, subdued wit, and clarity of expression . . . Thinking Like a Communist is a timely, cogent, and very smart book." ―Thomas D'Evelyn, Christian Science Monitor

"A brilliantly original study of the 'laws of motion' of Communist thought, how they have shaped history during the past hundred years, and what they portend for the future." ―Chilton Williamson, Jr., National Review

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From Publishers Weekly:

In three communist countriesthe Soviet Union, China and Cubaa strong-man ruler (Stalin, Mao, Castro) used a personality cult as the basis for industrializing his country through state planning and mobilization of the rural masses. Tufts professor Smith traces common elements in these societies to Lenin's concept of the vanguard partywhich continually widened the gap between leaders and those led. But there were differences among the three. Unlike the Soviet Union, China and Cuba each relied on ideological campaigns to forge a "new socialist man." Smith intends for readers to understand "what it means to think like a communist" in each society, so he traces each system's roots in Marxist-Leninist thought. Gauging the prospects for reforming each monolithic system from within, he predicts that unless the communist state starts to "wither away," these countries will fall further behind the West and Japan in technology.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

After stating that Communism is the most important ideological force of the 20th century, Smith proceeds to trace the contribution of Marxism-Leninism to the historical record of Communism's triumph in Russia, China, and Cuba. He considers such questions as: How has the doctrine shaped the result? How do those who describe themselves as Marxists see the world and its problems? Smith has some interesting things to say about "the question of Stalin," that uncomfortable legacy which the Gorbachev team is now confronting. Although Smith's treatment of this large topic is at times superficial, he never condescends to the reader. Clearly written, timely, thoughtful, and unafraid of sensitive issues. R.H. Johnston, History Dept., McMaster Univ., Hamilton, Ont.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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