Excerpt of Expert Views from "The 10th International Communist Movement Forum & New Book Launch for the Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (Foreign Language Edition)"
On July 30, 2022, the 10th International Communist Movement Forum and the New Book Launch for the Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (Foreign Language Editions) was held through a combination of online and offline formats, with dual venues set up in Beijing and Kunming. The conference was co-hosted by the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Yunnan University, and the Ideology Think Tank of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The conference began with the release of the foreign language editions of the Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement, including the English and Italian editions of the Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (2019-2020) and the Vietnamese edition of the Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (2020-2021). These volumes were condensed and translated from the Chinese-language "Yellow Books on the International Communist Movement" [1] published by the Social Sciences Academic Press (China) and were published respectively by Italy's Twenty-First Century Marxist Press and Vietnam's Political Theory Publishers. Taking this as an opportunity, the forum invited over 30 experts and scholars from China and abroad to deliver speeches, conducting seminars on new trends in the development of the international communist movement and the publication status of the Yellow Books on the International Communist Movement. A summary of the key points from the experts' speeches is provided below.
Professor Lin Jianhua, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, noted in his address that the Yellow Book on the International Communist Movement has seen three volumes published by the Social Sciences Academic Press since 2019. It has garnered significant response and attention domestically and abroad, receiving high praise from domestic peers and becoming a signature achievement of the Institute of Marxism Studies. The publication of the Yellow Books abroad helps promote exchange and communication between Chinese Marxist researchers and readers of English, Italian, Vietnamese, and other languages, as well as theoretical circles in various countries. It facilitates consensus on the new trends in the global landscape and the world socialist movement, which is conducive to advancing the development of 21st-century Marxism and the revitalization of world socialism.
Regarding the historical process and contemporary trends of world socialism, Lin Jianhua pointed out that, on a global scale, socialism has undergone a developmental process from utopia to science, from theory to practice, from a single country to multiple countries, and from setbacks to revitalization. This trajectory embodies the historical process, reflects the essence, and signals the direction of world socialism's development. Party building, the seizure of power, and construction constitute the "trilogy" played out by the international communist movement. Amidst the "changes of the world," the "governance of China" stands in sharp contrast to the "chaos of the West" [2]. As reforms continue to advance and deepen, moving toward revitalization or renewed revitalization has become a distinct characteristic and reality of socialism. To this end, we must establish a historical perspective: "Only within the long river of the history of all human development can one perceive the essence of historical movement and the direction of the era's development."
Professor Duan Hongyun, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Yunnan University, noted in his speech that under the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the "changes unseen in a century" [3], the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation. Socialist countries such as China and Vietnam have effectively controlled the pandemic and achieved economic growth, demonstrating the superiority of the socialist system and enriching the theory and practice of the international communist movement. Meanwhile, the pandemic has run rampant in Western countries, accompanied by frequent social movements, a widening gap between the rich and the poor, and more prominent issues of social inequality, exposing various flaws in the capitalist system. The trend of the "East rising and the West declining" [4] in the international landscape has become more evident. Amidst the changes unseen in a century, the international communist movement faces both opportunities and challenges. This forum helps deepen our understanding of the historical mission shouldered by the Communist Party of China in the New Era and on the "new journey" [5], facilitates the in-depth study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, explores the contribution and significance of the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics to the development of world socialism, and maintains continuous tracking of the latest developmental trends in the contemporary international communist movement. This will build consensus and push the movement toward a state of vigorous development.
Professor Nguyen Minh Hoan, Dean of the Department of Philosophy at the Academy of Journalism and Communication of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (Vietnam), and Andrea Catone, Editor-in-Chief of the Italian journal Marx Ventuno (Twenty-First Century Marx), representing the foreign publishers, provided explanations regarding the publication of the foreign language editions of the Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement.
Professor Nguyen Minh Hoan fully affirmed the significance of the foreign language editions. He noted that during the translation and publication process, he further realized the necessity of applying the basic principles of Marxism-Leninism to study the international communist movement and clarified the role of international communism in today's world and its relationship with future global development. He emphasized that "those with the same aspirations walk the same path." As a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam and a foreign friend of the CPC, he expressed his sincere wish that the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, created by the CPC leading the Chinese people, would grow more prosperous, expressing firm belief in its success. Socialism, he concluded, is definitively the future of humanity.
Andrea Catone noted that the foreign language editions serve as an important tool, providing all communists with an opportunity to increase their knowledge and recognize that every Party member is part of the world communist movement. In his speech, he compared the advantages and disadvantages of the opposing paths of unilateralism and multilateralism; analyzed the status and essence of the Russia-Ukraine war; affirmed the practical significance of "a community with a shared future for humanity" advocated by General Secretary Xi Jinping; and clarified the heavy responsibility of communists worldwide in pushing the world toward progress. He expressed a strong desire to strengthen international communist research and the cooperation of the world proletariat.
Following the opening addresses, experts and scholars from China, Italy, Vietnam, and Laos conducted in-depth discussions on topics such as "New Trends in the International Communist Movement," "The Influence and Contribution of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era to World Socialism," "New Progress in the Theory and Practice of Foreign Communist Parties under the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic," and "The Relationship between the Two Systems and the Characteristics of the International Landscape."
Professor Hu Zhenliang of the Department of Scientific Socialism at the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) gave a presentation titled "The International Communist Movement, the Development of Modern Civilization, and the Communist Party of China—Research on the Theory of Socialist Modernization with Chinese Characteristics." He pointed out the intrinsic, close relationship between these three elements. Historically and logically, one must address the historical "syllogism" of Socialism and the Development of Modern Civilization; in terms of current development, one must discuss the essential meaning of "Modernization: The Scientific Content of 21st Century Scientific Socialism"; and theoretically, one must articulate the rich connotations of the modernization of scientific socialism, deeply study socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, and innovatively research the theory and significance of Chinese-path modernization. This theory is a new development of scientific socialism, answering the basic tasks of what kind of modern country to build and how to build it. It serves as the fundamental guideline for building a modern socialist country and requires continuous enrichment in practice.
Professor Luo Qian, Dean of the School of Marxism at Yunnan University, delivered a speech titled "Several Issues Requiring Attention in the Study of the International Communist Movement." He emphasized five areas: first, the relationship between theory and practice within the movement; second, the relationship between revolutionary theory and social construction theory; third, whether communism is an objective or a process (noting a split between the two in the 21st century); fourth, how to handle the relationship between organizational rigor and individual spontaneity/freedom; and fifth, how to correctly view the relationship between socialism, communism, and capitalism.
Francesco Maringiò, President of the Italian "Twenty-First Century Marx" Political and Cultural Association, introduced the current status and trends of the European communist left. He noted: first, movements to ban communist symbols and organizations have appeared in Europe; second, the European Left alliance struggles to reach effective political consensus; third, there are internal divisions within the European Left in the European Parliament, with some communists being marginalized; fourth, the birth of the Party of the European Left intensified internal conflicts, leading parties like the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), which adheres to Leninism, to leave the alliance; fifth, other forms of coordination exist between communist parties and the radical left due to ideological proximity, forming multiple left-wing blocs in the European Parliament. However, it is more important for communists to establish roots, politics, and credibility at the national level. Sixth, due to serious internal disagreements, the European Left alliance finds it difficult to exert strong international influence.
Researcher Chai Shangjin from the China Center for Contemporary World Studies of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) spoke on "Observations on the Rise of Left-Wing Populist Parties." He argued that populism is a complex political phenomenon relative to elitism, emerging whenever society faces significant development dilemmas or crises. Since the 2008 financial crisis, Western populist trends have merged with extremist parties, deepening the "populization" of Western politics. In anti-capitalist struggles, the European far-left and traditional communist parties have formed united fronts to criticize neoliberalism and austerity. Furthermore, ethnic socialism [6] in the new century shows characteristics of the "nationalization of socialism," inevitably influenced by populism in developing countries. Regarding China, he warned that one must be vigilant against "ultra-left" populism—characterized by moral posturing and hatred of officials and the wealthy—being maliciously exploited to disrupt normal democracy, the rule of law, and social stability.
Professor Guo Qiang, Deputy Director of the Department of Scientific Socialism at the CCP Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) and President of the World Socialism Professional Committee of the Chinese Association of Scientific Socialism, delivered an insightful speech titled "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era Promotes a New Leap for World Socialism from the Periphery to the Center." He pointed out that in the history of socialist development, we have experienced three universally recognized leaps: from utopia to science, from theory to reality, and from a single country to multiple countries. What, then, is the subsequent leap? He believes that since the Sixth Plenary Session [7], Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era has pushed socialism toward a new leap from the periphery to the center. At the level of productive forces, the proportion and actual influence of socialist countries' productive forces in the world economy have increased significantly. At the level of the path, China, as the world's largest socialist country and developing nation, has provided a brand-new choice to those countries and nations that wish to accelerate development while maintaining their own independence through the path of Chinese-path modernization, contributing Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions, and Chinese strength to the building of a better world. At the level of values, socialist concepts and policies are increasingly recognized by more people in both developed capitalist countries and developing countries; even in the United States, more than half of young people identify with socialism. Facts show that, driven by Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era, world socialism has completely emerged from its low ebb. The historical evolution and contest between the two ideologies and two social systems—socialism and capitalism—on a global scale have undergone a major shift in favor of socialism. Socialism is now striding toward the center of the world stage.
Speech by Researcher Tang Haijun
Tang Haijun, a First-Level Inspector of the Research Office of the International Department of the CCP Central Committee, delivered an insightful speech titled "The Fragmentation of Foreign Party Evolution." He first elucidated four characteristics of the fragmentation of foreign political parties: a sharp increase in the number of parties and accelerated party turnover; an increase in the number of parties entering parliaments and drastic changes in the party landscape; emerging parties rewriting and reshaping their national political maps; and the split and decline of some traditional major parties. Subsequently, he revealed four consequences caused by party fragmentation: increased difficulty in forming cabinets and damage to government reputation; increased policy volatility and decreased regime stability; the displacement or absence of dominant forces in the political arena; and the rising disruptive energy of minor parties. Finally, he analyzed the causes of party fragmentation from four aspects: the "opening of the sluice gates" [8] of Western democracy, the impetus from the evolution of electoral politics, the delay or inefficiency of political system reforms, and the fueling role of foreign media. He proposed that the fragmentation of political parties in many countries today indicates that the evolution of Western-style party systems has gone astray, deviating from the original intention of the party system and the "rules of the game" of party politics designed hundreds of years ago, ultimately leading to the current series of negative phenomena. The instability and partial failure of Western democracy also mark the erosion of Western soft power in this process. In the future process of political and social transformation, the reform and adjustment of political parties themselves have thus been placed on the agenda.
Speech by Professor Cui Guitian
Professor Cui Guitian, Editor-in-Chief of the journal Problems of Contemporary World Socialism and a member of the Institute of Contemporary Socialism at Shandong University, delivered an insightful speech titled "The Profound Influence of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics on World Socialism." He pointed out that socialism with Chinese characteristics is not only the only way for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and Chinese modernization, but also the only way for the great rejuvenation of world socialism and for Marxist scientific socialism to radiate vigor and vitality. He then elaborated on the profound influence of socialism with Chinese characteristics on world socialism from three aspects. First, socialism with Chinese characteristics profoundly affects the internal logic and determinacy of world socialism. Second, the profound influence of socialism with Chinese characteristics on world socialism is mainly reflected in the innovation of the "Three Great Forms" and the change of the "Two Great Patterns." The so-called "Three Great Forms" refer to socialism with Chinese characteristics as the latest form of scientific socialism, the new path of Chinese-path modernization as a new form of human civilization, and the "people's politics" of the Communist Party of China as a new form of world party civilization. The so-called "Two Great Patterns" refer to changing the developmental pattern of world socialism—where the center of the international communist movement is shifting eastward and China has become the mainstay of world socialism—and changing the pattern of relations between the "two systems" (socialism and capitalism), where "the East is rising and the West is declining" [9] is the new trend. Third, the influence of socialism with Chinese characteristics on world socialism also faces a series of new challenges.
Speech by Nguyen Thi Thu Huong
Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Academy of Journalism and Communication at the Central Party School of the Communist Party of Vietnam, delivered an insightful speech titled "The Communist Party of Vietnam's Understanding of Socialist Democracy Since Doi Moi." [10] Combining the achievements made by Vietnam in promoting the practice of socialist democracy, she introduced the Communist Party of Vietnam's understanding of socialist democracy since Doi Moi to the participants. She pointed out that democracy is the essence of the socialist system, the goal of socialist construction, and its driving force. Building socialist democratic politics to ensure that power truly belongs to the people is an important and long-term task of the Vietnamese revolution. The development of socialist democratic politics is one of the important theoretical achievements of the Communist Party of Vietnam, making significant contributions to the formation and development of the Party's Doi Moi line, helping to realize the goal of a "prosperous people, strong country, democracy, justice, and civilization," satisfying the aspirations of the people, and conforming to the objective laws and practices of Vietnam.
Speech by Souphavady Lackhansai
Souphavady Lackhansai, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Administration at the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, delivered an insightful speech titled "Construction of a Rule of Law State Under the Leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party." He proposed that under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Laos has conducted innovative explorations and achieved significant results in building a rule of law state. Particularly after the Ninth National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, a series of achievements have been made: First, the Party focuses on the legislature as the representative organ of the people's rights, gradually improving and strengthening its role in formulating and perfecting laws. Second, the Party and government lead in improving the government's administrative management system, managing the country in accordance with strict laws and regulations, with a focus on researching and improving administrative organs at the central and local levels to suit national conditions. Third, the Party leadership improves the judiciary as the adjudicating and sentencing body, focusing on perfecting the organizational work of people's courts at all levels and undertaking the training of responsible Party members, judges, and staff who are loyal to the Party, the state, and the people.
Speech by Researcher Xu Shicheng
Researcher Xu Shicheng, an Honorary Academician of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Institute of Latin American Studies, delivered an insightful speech titled "Similarities and Differences Between the New Round of Left-wing Return in Latin America and the Previous 'Pink Tide'." He argued that the similarity between the new round of the Latin American left and the previous Pink Tide lies in the fact that both belong to the left or center-left. Internally, they advocate strengthening state intervention in the economy, developing the national economy, and improving people's livelihoods. In terms of diplomacy, they maintain a certain degree of independence, have various contradictions with the United States, show centrifugal tendencies, advocate for the unity of Latin American countries and regional integration, and develop friendly cooperative relations with China. Their differences are manifested in seven aspects: first, the international economic and political environment facing the new round of left-wing governments is much more difficult than the last; second, most of the new left-wing governments belong to the moderate left, differing from the radical left governments in Cuba and Venezuela; third, de-ideologization; fourth, pragmatism; fifth, moderate left-wing governments and parties often criticize radical left governments and parties; sixth, the representative organization of the Latin American radical left is the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA); seventh, the governing position of some moderate left-wing governments is not consolidated. Accordingly, he emphasized that this second wave of left-wing governments in Latin America will play a positive role in the development of China-Latin America relations.
Speech by Professor Wang Jianguo
Professor Wang Jianguo, Vice Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations at Central China Normal University, delivered an insightful speech titled "Self-Revolution: The State of Conscious Existence of a Marxist Mission-Oriented Party." He pointed out that the Resolution of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CCP Central Committee clearly states that the courage to engage in self-revolution is the distinctive mark that distinguishes the Communist Party of China from other political parties. Self-revolution is a state of conscious existence of the CPC as a Marxist mission-oriented party. As a typical Marxist mission-oriented party, "mission consciousness" [11] is its fundamental requirement. Self-revolution is both the historical experience and the practical necessity for a Marxist mission-oriented party to maintain its mission consciousness, and more importantly, it is the future requirement for maintaining that consciousness. Facing the new task of comprehensively building a great modern socialist country, the CPC must maintain the conscious state of self-revolution, preserve the Party's advanced nature and purity, and realize the mission of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with vigorous vitality and surging forward momentum.
Speech by Researcher Pan Jin'e
Researcher Pan Jin'e, Director of the International Communist Movement Department of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies and one of the editors-in-chief of the Yellow Book of International Communist Movement, gave a keynote speech titled "New Trends in the Development of the International Communist Movement 2021-2022." She pointed out that the developmental dynamics of the international communist movement and world socialism in 2021 were mainly composed of the following major events: first, the CPC grandly celebrated its centenary, and the brilliant achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics won the appreciation and expectations of countries worldwide; second, existing world socialist countries held new Party congresses, actively fought the pandemic, and promoted economic and social development; third, non-governing communist parties persisted in struggles both inside and outside parliaments, making adaptive adjustments to seek space for survival and development. At the same time, communist parties and Marxist scholars worldwide reviewed the historical experience and lessons of the Paris Commune and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, revisiting the revolutionary thoughts of early revolutionaries in the international communist movement to learn from history and meet current challenges. Regarding the development trends of the international communist movement in 2022, she believed that the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, has increased the risk of imperialism launching wars, and the international communist movement faces new shocks. However, the hundred-year historical monument of the CPC will inspire communist parties worldwide to remain firm in their direction and continue toward a brilliant future.
Speech by Researcher Xu Baoyou
Researcher Xu Baoyou from the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee elucidated the issue from seven aspects in his speech titled "World Contributions of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era from a Modernization Perspective." He argued: First, the new path of Chinese-path modernization is the socialist road with Chinese characteristics opened by the CPC by combining Marxism with China's reality, representing a new development of Marxism in the New Era. Second, the massive success of Chinese-path modernization reversed the trend of the late 1980s and early 1990s—when the drastic changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe caused socialism to suffer serious setbacks and the world socialist movement to fall into a low ebb. It proves to the world that socialism is superior to capitalism, enables scientific socialism to radiate strong vitality in 21st-century China, holds high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the world, and exerts a positive influence on the development and revival of world socialism and the international communist movement. Third, the vitality of the road of Chinese-path modernization demonstrates the majestic power of the CPC in uniting and leading the Chinese people to explore development paths and conduct theoretical innovation based on their own national conditions. Fourth, the successful practice of Chinese-path modernization provides a "non-Western" modernization path, breaking the myth that modernization can only be achieved by following the capitalist modernization model, making China the first large country in the world to successfully build modernization not by taking the capitalist road but by taking the socialist road. Fifth, the road of Chinese-path modernization has expanded the ways for developing countries to achieve modernization, providing a brand-new choice for those countries and nations that wish to accelerate development while maintaining their independence. Sixth, the road of Chinese-path modernization has created a new form of human civilization and made great contributions to human civilization. Seventh, the theoretical and practical wealth contained in the road of Chinese-path modernization—such as holistic thinking, innovative practice, institutional advantages, and inclusive culture—should be of interest to and needed by all political parties and countries concerned with governance and the future of humanity's destiny.
Researcher Xuan Chuanshu, Deputy Director of the Institute of Chinese Marxism at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a brilliant speech titled "Where In Lies the 'Newness' of the New Form of Human Civilization Created by Chinese-path Modernization?" He pointed out that the so-called new form of civilization refers to the new form of civilization characterized by the coordinated development of the "Five Civilizations" [12] of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Where exactly does the "newness" of this civilizational form lie? First, compared with Western modern civilization—namely, capitalist civilization—the new form of human civilization created by the people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China is a Chinese form and a socialist form of modern civilization. Second, compared with classical socialism and traditional socialism, the new form of human civilization created by the people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China is a Chinese form and a 21st-century form of socialist civilization. Finally, compared with ancient Chinese civilization, the new form of human civilization created by the people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China is a creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture; it is the contemporary form of Chinese civilization. The reason this new form of human civilization is "new" is that it differs from the Western capitalist civilizational form, distinguishes itself from classical socialism and the Soviet-model socialist civilizational form, and is not a simple return to fine traditional Chinese culture. Rather, it is a succession to and transcendence of capitalist civilization, traditional socialism, and ancient Chinese civilization. Of course, this "transcendence" is itself a process. From the perspective of foundation, structure, and function, this new form of civilization has already attained a relatively mature state of development and a relatively stable mode of expression, yet there remains space for further expansion and perfection in terms of content, direction, and influence.
Presentation by Professor Liu Chenguang Professor Liu Chenguang, Deputy Director of the Department of Contemporary World Socialism in the Department of Scientific Socialism at the Central Party School of the CPC (National Academy of Governance), spoke on the theme "The Formation of China’s Institutions in the New Era and Their Contribution to World Socialism." Through a systematic review and retrospective of China’s exploration, transition, formation, and finalization of the new socialist institutional system, he revealed the contribution of China’s New Era institutions to world socialism: namely, they have updated the understanding of the socialist system, demonstrated the superiority of the socialist system, and rendered the socialist system more universally accessible.
Presentation by Professor Guo Chunsheng Professor Guo Chunsheng of the Institute of Contemporary Socialism at Shandong University gave a brilliant speech titled "The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) Against the Backdrop of the 30th Anniversary of the Dissolution of the Soviet Union." He noted that in the 30 years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the CPRF, as the successor to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, has persisted to this day and has become the largest communist party in the post-Soviet space. Over these 30 years, CPRF strength fell rapidly in the 1990s, stabilized gradually after entering the new century, and has seen its influence rise rapidly in recent years. He summarized the extraordinary achievements of the CPRF over the past 30 years from three aspects and further attributed the recent rise in the CPRF’s support rate to three factors: first, the CPRF’s performance in opposing the 2018 pension reform earned it higher support; second, the CPRF’s consistent critique of Russia’s actual capitalist system; and third, the "Soviet symbols" inherent to the CPRF. Thus, the reasons for the increase in the CPRF’s influence are multifaceted; the key is whether it can derive experience from this to continuously enhance its influence among the masses and thereby achieve its political goals.
Presentation by Researcher Zhou Miao Researcher Zhou Miao, Director of the Departmant of Foreign Leftist Studies in the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, gave a brilliant speech titled "New Characteristics and Trends of International Leftist Forces under the Changes Unseen in a Century." He pointed out that currently, the great changes unseen in a century are accelerating, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, and the socialist development path represented by China has achieved remarkable success, forming a sharp contrast with capitalism. Against this backdrop, international leftist forces have further strengthened their research and critique of contemporary capitalism, as well as their research and interpretation of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Subsequently, he summarized the new characteristics of the development of international leftist forces from three aspects, introduced a series of innovative research results achieved by international leftist scholars and forces, and revealed the diverse development trends of global leftist forces. Finally, he explained the key points and challenges of conducting research on international leftist forces under the changes unseen in a century.
Presentation by Professor Yu Weihai Professor Yu Weihai, Director of the Research Center for Foreign Marxist Parties at Central China Normal University, gave a brilliant speech titled "Analysis of the 2022 Crisis of the Communist Party of Canada and Its Causes." He noted that 2022 was an extraordinary year for the Communist Party of Canada, a party that has navigated 101 years of history. Since the beginning of this year, the Communist Party of Canada has been plunged into a serious crisis. An intense debate erupted within the party over the handling of a cold case involving sexual assault by the party’s former central organizer. Some individuals took the opportunity to "bombard the center" [13], claiming the leadership was shielding a criminal and demanding the leader’s resignation, which triggered distrust toward the central committee and a wave of resignations. On July 3, 2022, the 40th Convention of the Communist Party of Canada concluded. This convention was a closed-door meeting that descended into quarrels surrounding the series of issues arising from the sexual assault case, and the meeting expelled a "four-person anti-party clique." The negative consequences that have already emerged include internal infighting and even a crisis of split within the Communist Party of Canada, the loss of central authority, a wave of public resignations by members, and a decline in party cohesion. The negative social impact will be difficult to eliminate in the short term. The causes of the Communist Party of Canada’s crisis this year are multifaceted, and its lessons serve as an extremely important warning for the development of the contemporary international communist movement.
Presentation by Professor Lin Deshan Professor Lin Deshan of the School of Political Science and Public Administration at the China University of Political Science and Law gave a brilliant speech titled "Market, State, and Society: The Dilemma of European Leftist Politics and the Rise of Left-Wing Populism." He noted that the mission of the Left is to direct collective investment toward the most vulnerable sectors of our society by making choices that correct or supplement private investment. To do this requires a state capable of investing based on objectives other than market choices.
With the globalized development of the world, the traditional functions of the state have been eroded. This is the core reason for the Left's current dilemma. Globalized capitalism has brought about a structural erosion of state resources: states are burdened with huge debts and forced into austerity; the European Union has also drastically restricted the power of European states to make decisions and act. Subject to these restrictions, the state is no longer a significant instrument of investment, which puts the European Left in a bind. Faced with this dilemma, the European Left has made two different strategic choices. One is the "left-wing government" represented by Social Democrats, who seek a compromise between the state and the market but find it difficult to distinguish their reforms from those of the Right. The other is the "activist left," which seeks to respond to problems in radical ways, reaffirming goals diametrically opposed to the private market. This latter group possesses "anti-state" characteristics, seeking to bypass the state by appealing to the "third sector" or civil society. This so-called "activist left" is seeking a fundamental change in existing methods of social welfare investment. However, people doubt whether this approach of abandoning the state is practical. Left-wing populism has developed against this backdrop. Although it is not without ambiguities—much like other populist ideological and political trends—it seeks to reshape the boundaries of radicalism in a sense that transcends traditional left-right politics (which for the Left is primarily class politics); for example, by appealing to a more thorough direct democracy and a binary concept of the state. This perhaps constitutes its true intent.
Presentation by Professor Du Min Professor Du Min, Director of the Center for the Development of Foreign Marxist Disciplines in the School of Marxism at Yunnan University, gave a brilliant speech titled "The Development Tends of the Socialist Movement in Sri Lanka." In his speech, he introduced in detail the new crisis of capitalism that broke out in Sri Lanka against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on this situation, further elaborated on the actions and measures taken by the Sri Lankan Left in response to the new crisis.
Presentation by Researcher Liu Haixia Researcher Liu Haixia, Director of the Research Office of Contemporary Capitalism in the Department of the International Communist Movement at the Institute of Marxism Studies (CASS), gave a brilliant speech titled "Deeply Grasping the Dialectical Relationship Between 'Change' and 'Constancy' in the Great Changes Unseen in a Century." She pointed out that under the overlapping impact of the great changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, some Western countries, led by the US, have not only failed to join hands to fight the pandemic, promote world economic recovery, and address climate change, but have instead drawn lines based on ideology to launch strategic competition against China across various fields. In February 2022, the Biden administration released the "Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States" report, proposing to "seek to shape the strategic environment in which China operates" to compress China’s strategic space. Shortly thereafter, the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict further intensified the uncertainty and instability of the international situation. How to understand the profound connotations of the great changes unseen in a century and the turbulent fission of the world amidst "change" and "constancy" is an important prerequisite for evaluating China's strategic environment and understanding the relationship between China and the world. Subsequently, she elaborated on the "change" and "constancy" of the great changes unseen in a century from six aspects: the balance of international power has undergone a huge change, and the world pattern is accelerating toward multipolarity; China’s international shaping power has significantly increased, and the mutual influence between China and the world is growing daily; the return of "geopolitics" has brought more realist factors to the great changes in the world, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict will trigger new changes in the global strategic pattern; Western countries' policy inwardness has increased, and the localization of supply chains has intensified the trend of de-globalization; the US strategic focus has officially shifted to the Indo-Pacific region, but the Russia-Ukraine conflict has forced the US to focus on the European region simultaneously; and seeking breakthroughs amidst "change" while remaining faithful to commitments amidst "constancy."
Presentation by Associate Professor Yang Chengguo Associate Professor Yang Chengguo of the School of Marxism at Wenzhou University gave a brilliant speech titled "Policy Positions of European Communist Parties Against the Backdrop of the COVID-19 Pandemic." He pointed out that in the face of the worsening pandemic, European Communist parties have spoken out one after another, offering sharp criticism of the ineffective anti-epidemic policies of Western capitalist countries. They have exposed the profit-driven nature of capitalism and its tendency to shirk responsibility, pointing out that the escalation of the pandemic has exposed serious flaws in the health systems of various European capitalist countries. At the same time, European Communist parties have highly praised the efficient anti-epidemic policies and strong governance capabilities of the socialist Chinese government, believing that China’s approach demonstrates the superiority of the socialist system. Furthermore, they have expressed solidarity with China, emphasizing the need to learn from China’s experience and seek common development, and calling on all countries to strengthen cooperation and maintain solidarity in the fight against the epidemic.
Presentation by Associate Professor Zheng Yuntian Associate Professor Zheng Yuntian, Director of the Institute of World Socialism in the School of International Relations at Renmin University of China, gave a brilliant speech titled "China’s Great Power Responsibility in the New Era in the Eyes of Eurasian Think Tanks." He noted that amidst the intertwining of the changes unseen in a century and the pandemic of the century, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Some leftist scholars in the Eurasian region have begun to rethink the great power responsibility, style, and commitment that China in the New Era has demonstrated to the world. Focusing on the joint construction of the "Belt and Road Initiative," they have conducted in-depth discussions on topics such as economic and trade cooperation, security guarantees, and multilateral diplomacy. They strive to overcome the influence of Western discourse, focus on the driving effect of the "Belt and Road Initiative," and remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for relations between China and the Eurasian region. The motivations for the new changes in their research lie in the continuous shift in the balance of power between East and West, the realistic considerations of the special geopolitics in the Eurasian region, and the increasing contemporary value of the ancient Silk Road. Against the backdrop where the great changes unseen in a century are accelerating and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, humanity has not yet emerged from the haze of the pandemic and faces new traditional security risks. The changes in the world, the times, and history are unfolding in unprecedented ways, constantly posing new "questions of the world" and "questions of the times" to all of humanity, and China is interpreting its great power responsibility to the world through practical actions.
Presentation by Associate Professor Wu Qian Associate Professor Wu Qian of the School of Marxism at Xiamen University, speaking on the theme "The Current State and Dilemmas of the Resurgence of the Western Leftist Movement Against the Backdrop of the COVID-19 Pandemic," elaborated on the external environment for the resurgence of the Western leftist movement under the pandemic. She revealed the adjustments in ideology and political programs as Western leftist parties return to the "radical leftist political tradition," focused on the new developments of Western leftist parties expanding their activity space by "thrusting left and breaking through right," and analyzed the progress and challenges faced by the Western leftist movement under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presentation by Associate Researcher He Qin
Associate Researcher He Qin, Director of the Contemporary World Socialism Research Office within the Department of International Communist Movement at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, delivered an insightful presentation titled "On the Temporal Requirements and Essential Characteristics of Socialist Modernization: Taking the Modernization Explorations of Four Socialist Countries in the 21st Century as an Example." She pointed out that since the beginning of the 21st century, the four socialist countries of North Korea, Laos, Vietnam, and Cuba have entered a new historical stage of building socialist modernization. Facing the temporal requirements of economic globalization, these socialist states strive to give play to the institutional advantage of the "Party leading everything" [14], implement the institutional requirement of the rule of law, practice the institutional purpose of putting the people first, and uphold the institutional bottom line of peaceful development. Socialist modernization is a modernization characterized by the unity of objectivity and initiative, generality and specificity, stages and continuity, criticality and constructiveness, integrity and synergy, autonomy and openness, and progressiveness and tortuousness [15]. Socialist modernization in the 21st century can neither be confined to the Soviet model of modernization, nor can it blindly follow Western modernization theory. In the comparison between the two systems of socialism and capitalism, socialist states can only maintain strategic resolve [16], enhance strategic confidence, and optimize strategic foresight in the new historical period by correctly recognizing and grasping the temporal requirements and essential characteristics of socialist modernization. Only then can they unswervingly advance the process of socialist modernization in accordance with their own national conditions and the interests of the people.
Associate Researcher Pan Xihua spoke next. Finally, Associate Researcher Pan Xihua, Director of the History of the International Communist Movement Research Office within the Department of International Communist Movement at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, delivered the concluding remarks on behalf of the organizers. She summarized the conference from its preparation to its successful conclusion using three terms: "authoritative," "frontier," and "efficient." She summarized several highlights from the high-quality presentations delivered by domestic and foreign experts within a focused and orderly timeframe, and noted the consensus reached through efficient exchange and academic discussion.
More than a hundred experts and scholars from units including the Central Party School of the CPC (National Academy of Governance), the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Yunnan University, China University of Political Science and Law, Shandong University, Central China Normal University, Soochow University, and Xiamen University also participated through both online and offline means. The various sessions of the meeting were presided over by Deputy Director Yu Junxiao, Deputy Director Lin Jianhua, Deputy Director Yuan Qun, and Deputy Director Yuan Xiuli.
(Contributed by Yu Hui and Pan Xihua)