New Book Launch of "Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (2022-2023)" and Seminar on New Trends in the Development of the International Communist Movement Convened

On March 24, 2024, the book launch for the Annual Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (2022–2023) and the Seminar on New Patterns in the Development of the International Communist Movement were held via video conference. The meeting focused on three themes: first, the release of the "Yellow Book on the International Communist Movement" ^[1] titled Annual Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (2022–2023); second, a discussion on new trends in the development of the international communist movement since 2023; and third, soliciting opinions from steering experts on the initial draft of the 2023–2024 Yellow Book.

Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), delivered the opening remarks. Ji Xiangde, President of the Social Sciences Academic Press (SSAP), presided over the book launch. More than 40 experts, scholars in the field of the international communist movement, and Yellow Book authors attended the meeting, representing institutions such as CASS, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance), Shandong University, the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Central China Normal University, Guangxi University, Yunnan University, and Soochow University.

The first segment of the meeting consisted of leadership addresses, the book launch, and keynote reports, chaired by Professor Lin Jianhua, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS.

In his speech, Secretary Xin Xiangyang pointed out that at present, the world is undergoing great changes unseen in a century ^[2], which are accelerating. The international landscape and system are undergoing profound adjustments, and the international balance of power has shifted significantly. Many new situations and characteristics have emerged within the international communist movement and world socialism. Grasping the current developmental trends of the international communist movement is of great theoretical and practical significance for deeply understanding the relationship between the two systems—socialism and capitalism—and the essential characteristics of the current stage of world socialism, as well as for grasping the historical coordinates of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Systematically tracking, researching, and mastering the new trends and features of the international communist movement and world socialism is the mission and responsibility of scholars in the field of international communist studies and Marxist theory; it is also the primary purpose of compiling and publishing the "Yellow Book on the International Communist Movement." On behalf of the editorial board, Secretary Xin expressed heartfelt thanks to the steering experts for their diligent guidance over the past several years and expressed confidence that, with their mentorship and the support of authors from partner universities across the country, the Yellow Book would continue to improve.

Ji Xiangde, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Social Sciences Academic Press, released the Yellow Book on the International Communist Movement (2022–2023) on behalf of the publisher. He extended warm congratulations to the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, the two editors-in-chief, Researchers Xin Xiangyang and Pan Jin’e, and all the authors. President Ji noted that, drawing upon the profound academic accumulation of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, the Yellow Book has maintained high-quality academic research since its initial publication in 2019. By promptly tracking and reporting the latest dynamics of the international communist movement and world socialism each year, it provides important theoretical support and guidance for deepening public understanding of communist ideals, promoting the comprehensive progress of human society, revealing the laws of social development, and strengthening international exchange and cooperation.

The Yellow Book Annual Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (2022–2023) was published by the Social Sciences Academic Press in December 2023, marking the fifth volume in this annual series. This research report tracks new trends in the international communist movement and world socialism in a timely manner, focusing on important commemorative events and major issues in the history of the movement. It provides profound analyses of new changes in capitalist development and systematically explains the reform and construction practices of socialist countries, as well as the new dynamics of communist parties abroad. Starting in 2022, English, Italian, and Vietnamese editions of the Yellow Book have been published in Italy and Vietnam. Over the years, the Yellow Book has received high recognition from domestic and international peers, who affirm its significance in promoting the discipline of international communist studies. It has become a landmark achievement of the discipline and one of the "fist products" and "boutique results" of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies.

The second part of the seminar featured keynote reports. Researcher Chai Shangjin of the IDCPC and Professor Hu Zhenliang of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) spoke on the current developmental trends of the international communist movement.

Researcher Chai Shangjin focused his remarks on the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the global landscape. He noted that these two conflicts are landmark events signifying a turning point in the international order since the "drastic changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe" ^[3] over thirty years ago. They have delivered a massive shock to the world economy and globalization, creating significant spillover effects and accelerating the evolution of the global landscape. The shifts in relations between major powers—Russia and the US, Russia and Europe, China and Russia, China and the US—will have a far-reaching impact on the global order and are key components of the "great changes unseen in a century." Simultaneously, these changes will profoundly alter the adjustments made by communist parties and left-wing forces globally, increasing internal divisions. Divergent views among parties regarding these two conflicts may trigger greater internal splintering. Meanwhile, communist and left-wing parties in developing countries highly praise socialism with Chinese characteristics and are maintaining increasingly close ties with the CPC.

Professor Hu Zhenliang delivered a keynote report titled "A New Awakening of Marxism: The Sinicization and Modernization of Marxist Civilizational Theory." He pointed out that the issue of socialism and modernization is not only a major topic of concern for the Party but also a "hot spot" in the study of the international communist movement. China's excellent traditional culture is not only compatible with Marxism, but it can actually provide Marxism with new connotations, content, and nourishment, pushing Marxism toward the 21st century. Today, we must proceed from reality ^[4] and understand and develop the theoretical system of Marxism holistically from the height of "civilization." Professor Hu emphasized the need to systematically excavate and organize the basic connotations of Marxist civilizational theory, solve the problem of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxist civilizational theory, and advance the Party's theoretical innovation, making it systematic and academic.

The third part of the meeting involved the experts of the Steering Committee of the Yellow Book providing critiques and guidance on the initial drafts of the reports for the 2023–2024 volume. The authors of the eighteen sub-reports briefly explained their writing logic, main arguments, and issues needing resolution. The steering experts then provided point-by-point feedback. Attendees also included doctoral and master’s students from the aforementioned universities. The sixth volume, Annual Report on the Development of the International Communist Movement (2023–2024), is expected to be published by the Social Sciences Academic Press in August 2024.

Researcher Pan Jin’e, Director of the Department of International Communist Movement Studies at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies and Editor-in-Chief of the Yellow Book, presided over the concluding segment. She stated that through the half-day seminar, participants gained a comprehensive and concise understanding of the hot issues and general trends in the field over the past year, increasing confidence in completing this year's Yellow Book. She also expressed hope that the platform of compiling the Yellow Book would train and cultivate a cohort of young scholars, ensuring the continuity of the talent pool in China's international communist studies. Finally, Researcher Pan expressed her sincere gratitude to the steering experts for their long-term support and to all the authors for their participation.