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The Rich Significance and Contemporary Brilliance of Lenin's Theory and Practice of Party Building: Main Contents of the Book "Lenin’s Theory and Practice of Party Building"

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General Secretary Xi Jinping has noted, "Our Party was established in accordance with Marxist principles of Party building." For over a hundred years, and particularly since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Communist Party of China has inherited and developed Marxist theory on political parties, remaining consistently at the forefront of the times. The CPC, a Marxist party with over 98 million members, has become more united and unified. January 21, 2024, marked the centenary of the passing of Lenin. A comprehensive summary and systematic review of Lenin’s theory and practice of Party building serves as a commemoration of him. With firm convictions, rich theory, bold exploration, and courageous practice, Lenin integrated the party-building theories of Marx and Engels with new historical conditions and the realities of Russia. He advanced Marxist party theory to a new stage and made outstanding contributions to the construction and development of proletarian political parties. Lenin’s theory and practice of the "new-type" proletarian political party occupy an important position in the history of Marxist development and continue to possess significant theoretical significance and practical value today. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Possessing the guidance of scientific Marxist theory is the distinctive political character and powerful political advantage of our Party." The CPC’s persistent defense, adherence to, and development of Marxist party theory, Marxism itself, and the cause of socialism constitute major contributions from China to world socialism and human civilization.

I. The Conceptual Framework of the Book

At the turn of the 20th century, Lenin integrated the proletarian party theories of Marx and Engels with the conditions of the new era and Russian reality, pushing Marxist party theory to a new stage and advancing the development of Marxism. Under Lenin’s leadership, through a grueling revolutionary journey, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party achieved victory in the October Revolution and established the socialist system. Throughout his short life, at every stage of the proletarian revolution and socialist construction, Lenin consistently adhered to and developed Marxist party theory, promoting the growth and strengthening of the Party, and leading the cause of the Russian proletarian revolution and socialist construction forward. Lenin’s theory and practice of the "new-type" proletarian party stood the test of both revolution and socialist construction.

This book elaborates in detail on Lenin's theory and practice of Party building across various periods, including both the revolutionary and governing phases. In Russia, the integration of Marxism with the realities of revolution and construction gradually formed a rich and systematic theory of the proletarian party. Lenin played an outstanding role and made great contributions in this process. Lenin’s theory and practice of Party building can be broadly divided into five periods: the initial stage of the revolution, the period of creating the new-type proletarian party, the period of promoting Party unity, the early period after the victory of the October Revolution, and the period of the New Economic Policy. The volume elucidates Lenin's thoughts across different periods regarding theoretical building, organizational building, ideological and political building, conduct building, disciplinary building, institutional building, and the building of a learning-oriented party. With its rich content, clear themes, factual historical materials, and rigorous argumentation, the book comprehensively presents Lenin’s profound party-building theory and his great practice.

II. Important Theoretical Significance

The report to the 20th CPC National Congress stated: Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology upon which our Party and country are founded and thrive. "Possessing the guidance of scientific Marxist theory is the fundamental basis for our Party to strengthen its ideals and convictions and to seize historical initiative." Marxist proletarian party theory, especially Lenin’s theory of the new-type proletarian party, is the scientific guide for proletarian parties to engage in revolution and construction. In the New Era, the CPC consistently adheres to Marxist party theory, holding high the great banner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and resolutely advancing toward the new journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and achieving the Second Centenary Goal [1]. This book possesses important theoretical significance.

  1. The book is a thematic publication commemorating the centenary of Lenin's death. On January 21, 1924, the revolutionary mentor of the proletariat, Lenin, passed away. Throughout his life, Lenin produced prolific writings and engaged in magnificent practice. In the great process of the Russian proletarian revolution and socialist construction, he advanced the development of Marxism to a new stage—the stage of Leninism. Lenin’s theory of the new-type proletarian party occupies an important position in the history of Marxist development and the history of the international communist movement. Through his theoretical development, organizational activities, and revolutionary practice, Lenin inaugurated a new period for the Russian new-type proletarian party. Under Lenin’s leadership, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, as a new-type proletarian party, opened a new era not only for the Russian proletarian movement but also for the international communist movement. Under Lenin’s leadership and guided by the theory of the new-type proletarian party, Russia achieved victory in the October Socialist Revolution and created the first socialist state. After the victory of the October Revolution, Lenin led and promoted Party building, enriching theoretical propositions and institutional measures for Party building, opening a new period of governance for proletarian parties, and writing a great chapter in socialist construction. Lenin led the establishment and construction of the Communist International (Comintern), directing and promoting the development of Communist parties and workers' movements in various countries, making indelible contributions to the history of the international communist movement. On the centenary of Lenin’s death, reviewing his theory and practice of Party building helps us draw wisdom and strength, strengthen our ideals and convictions, and serves as the best commemoration of Lenin.

  2. The book possesses originality. This book is the first theoretical work to comprehensively and systematically summarize and study Lenin’s theory and practice of Party building. Marx and Engels were the founders of proletarian political parties. Their party theory and practice opened a new stage for the proletarian revolutionary movement. Lenin creatively applied Marxist party theory, rooted in the practice of Russian revolution and construction, and scientifically expounded a series of major theoretical and practical issues in Party building, forming a new crystallization of Marxist party theory. This theory is a scientific guide for proletarian parties in Russia and the world. The entire book systematically and comprehensively expounds the historical course of Lenin’s establishment and construction of a proletarian party in Russia. Based on objective history and detailed documentation, it systematically organizes and comprehensively displays Lenin’s profound party-building theory and magnificent Party practice, making it a weighty theoretical work.

  3. The book is a theoretical achievement in studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's instruction to "read the original works, study the original texts, and grasp the principles." General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed: "Communists should take reading Marxist classics and grasping Marxist principles as a lifestyle habit and a spiritual pursuit, using classics to cultivate integrity, temper thought, sublimate one's realm, and guide practice." General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the study of classic Marxist works, emphasizing that under the situation of accelerating changes in the global landscape and the continuous emergence of complex realistic issues, the CPC urgently needs to provide theoretical answers. This requires party members and cadres to earnestly study classic Marxist works, understand and comprehend scientific theories, and apply the basic theories of Marxism in practice. "Theoretical clarity and political determination do not come out of nowhere; they depend on theoretical literacy and political cultivation. Countless facts prove that for Communists, only with theoretical clarity can there be political clarity, and only with theoretical firmness can there be political firmness. Therefore, we must comprehensively improve our Marxist theoretical literacy, master the ideological weapons of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, thoroughly understand the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and clarify how history has come and how it will proceed, thereby continuously strengthening our confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics." The deep study and profound understanding of classic Marxist works by Chinese Communists will inevitably generate reverence for the Party's cause as well as its persistent defense and promotion. This book, based on the study, research, and comprehension of classic Marxist works, examines Lenin's theory and practice of Party building to obtain scientific theoretical guidance and profound insights.

III. Important Practical Value

The comprehensive and systematic study of Lenin's theory and practice of Party building in this book has important practical value. For over a hundred years, the CPC has adhered to Marxism as its guide, armed the entire Party with Marxism, and created, developed, and perfected Party leadership; this is the important guarantee for the Party’s continuous development and its journey from victory to victory. The key to China entering the new journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and achieving the Second Centenary Goal lies with the Party. The report of the 20th CPC National Congress stated: "The most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the leadership of the Communist Party of China; the greatest advantage of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the leadership of the Communist Party of China; the Communist Party of China is the highest force for political leadership." Currently, although the world, national, and Party conditions have undergone tremendous changes, Lenin’s theory and practice of Party building still possess important contemporary value.

  1. A scientific guide for the CPC to always maintain the true nature of a proletarian party. Currently, China is in a historical period of strategic opportunity where much can be achieved, yet it also faces tests from external and internal risks. In such a situation, as the world's largest political party and a major governing party, the CPC must "act its size." Being large also brings specific difficulties [2]; managing the Party is not easy, and building the Party into a strong Marxist governing party is even more difficult. The CPC firmly follows the basic principles and scientific laws of proletarian parties. Since the 18th National Congress, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has further clarified the essential attributes and fundamental requirements of a proletarian party, expressed the basic position and principles for maintaining the true nature of a proletarian party, and embodied the adherence to and defense of Marxist party theory. The CPC is the core of leadership for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and it must always remain sober and determined in solving the unique challenges facing a large party [3]. The century-plus history of the CPC is a magnificent journey of conscious adherence to and persistent defense of Marxist proletarian party theory. The CPC's firm theoretical consciousness and sober awareness reflect the foresight and sagacity of a party in long-term governance.

  2. Theoretical guidance for the CPC to maintain its long-term governing status. The CPC emphasizes learning from the experiences and lessons of the international communist movement, particularly the painful lesson of the Soviet Union, where the abandonment of the Party's leading position led to the collapse of the socialist system. The CPC clearly recognizes that consistently adhering to and defending the leadership of the proletarian party is vital to the future and destiny of socialism. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted: "The CPC is the governing party; the Party's leadership status and its governing status are closely linked." The CPC is the governing party, the Party is the highest political force, and adhering to the leadership of the CPC is China’s greatest institutional advantage. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "It is not easy for a Marxist party to seize power, and it is even harder to consolidate it; as long as no problems occur within the Marxist governing party, no major problems will occur in the socialist state." At the same time, in the long historical process of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, ensuring that the CPC does not collapse and the Chinese socialist system does not fall is an extremely difficult and immense challenge. The CPC must always adhere to and practice Marxist party theory. Lenin’s theories regarding the nature, mission, goals, and organizational principles of the proletarian party are all fundamental principles of a proletarian party. They were important theoretical guides for the establishment and construction of the CPC and for it to withstand the severe tests during the low ebb of the international communist movement.

  3. Scientific guidance for analyzing erroneous ideas and maintaining strong ideological determination. In the process of the formation and growth of the Marxist party, Lenin consistently struggled against various erroneous ideas, distinguishing the true from the false and upholding the position and principles of the proletarian party. This has important practical significance for contemporary Marxist parties to maintain the correct direction, preserve strong ideological determination, and keep their proletarian character. One view holds that under current era conditions, following the trend of democratization among modern world parties, and given the fundamental changes in the CPC's status, environment, and tasks—specifically after the CPC led the people to seize national power and achieved long-term governance—Lenin’s party-building theory is no longer applicable. In response, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The longer we govern, the more we must not lose the true nature of a Marxist party, the more we must not forget the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission, and the more we must not lose the spirit of self-revolution." Revolution and governance are not two completely different things; "Our Party is a Marxist governing party, but at the same time, it is a Marxist revolutionary party." Revolution is always on the road. Lenin’s theory of the new-type proletarian party still possesses important value. The CPC must continue to adhere to and practice Marxist party theory, consistently succeed in the building of a large party in long-term governance, maintain its Marxist party character, always stay ahead of the times, and forever remain the backbone of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation.

  4. Theoretical guidance for firmly upholding the "Two Establishments" and resolutely achieving the "Two Upholds."

Lenin's theories on strengthening and consolidating Party organization, exerting the vanguard role of the proletariat, upholding the comprehensive leadership of the Party, and adhering to the principle of democratic centralism constitute the theoretical guide for upholding the "Two Establishments" and achieving the "Two Upholds" in the New Era. The Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century states: "The Party has established Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and defined the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This reflects the common will of the Party, the armed forces, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, and is of decisive significance for advancing the cause of the Party and the country in the New Era and for driving forward the historic process of national rejuvenation." As the world's largest Marxist governing party, the Communist Party of China must uphold its comprehensive leadership to consolidate its long-term governing status and ensure the Party always remains a strong leadership core. It must regard the firm support for the "Two Establishments" and the resolute achievement of the "Two Upholds" as its highest political principle and fundamental political responsibility, unswervingly safeguarding the authority of the Party Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership. The entire Party, the armed forces, and the people of all ethnic groups must rally closely around the Party Central Committee to build a modern socialist country in all respects and comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

IV. Main Content

The book unfolds systematically around the developmental trajectory of Lenin’s theory and practice of Party building. Using extensive documentation and rigorous argumentation, it comprehensively demonstrates Lenin’s great contribution to creatively defending, upholding, and further enriching and developing the Marxist theory of the political party during his leadership of the Russian Revolution and socialist construction.

Chapter One: Organizing a Socialist Workers' Party. In the 1890s, the development of the Russian workers' movement urgently required the guidance of Marxist theory. Lenin opened a new period for the creation of a new type of proletarian party in Russia through theoretical development, organizational construction, and revolutionary practice. Lenin examined the two stages of the development of the Russian liberation movement—the aristocratic stage and the plebeian-intellectual stage (the Populist stage). On the basis of reflecting upon the rich heritage of revolutionary democracy, and through the process of exposing and criticizing Populism and "Legal Marxism," he proposed in 1894 to "organize a socialist workers' party." In his early revolutionary activities, Lenin actively participated in forming Russian Marxist circles and promoted their unification. He led the establishment of the League of Struggle for the Emancipation of the Working Class in St. Petersburg, promoted the integration of Marxism with the workers' movement, elucidated the theories and tasks of the Social Democratic Party, and guided Social Democrats in establishing an independent proletarian party.

Chapter Two: Theory and Practice of Creating a New Type of Proletarian Party. The surging revolutionary situation in Russia tasked the working class with leading the revolutionary movement. In the spring of 1898, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) held its First Congress and proclaimed the founding of the Party, but a unified party was not actually established. Faced with organizational and ideological chaos, vacillation, and fragmentation, Lenin proposed that Russian Social Democrats must unite and devote every effort to establishing a unified and consolidated new type of proletarian party. During this period, Lenin wrote works such as What Is to Be Done? and One Step Forward, Two Steps Back, clarifying the necessity and urgency of creating a new type of proletarian party, formulating a plan for Party building, and discussing the guiding ideology, program, statutes, organizational forms, and organizational principles of this new party. Lenin proposed that the Party should be guided by Marxism, establish a new type of organization of revolutionaries, and that leaders and leadership groups should play a vanguard role. He argued the Party must instill socialist consciousness into the working class, uphold the Party program, formulate and abide by Party statutes, maintain Party spirit [4], and observe Party discipline and the principle of democratic centralism. In the summer of 1903, the RSDLP held its Second Congress, where Lenin’s theory of creating a new type of proletarian party achieved victory.

Chapter Three: Promoting the Unity of the RSDLP. The division between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks emerged at the Second Congress of the RSDLP. Lenin later wrote: "Bolshevism has existed as a current of political thought and as a political party since 1903." The task facing the Bolsheviks was to consolidate the victories already achieved, unite all Party organizations on the basis of the Congress resolutions, and lead the proletarian and peasant masses in preparing for the coming revolutionary battles. However, the divisive and disruptive activities of the Mensheviks caused a serious intra-Party crisis. Faced with internal differences, splits, and crises, Lenin resolutely defended the outcomes of the Second Congress, opposed the Menshevik opportunist line, and strove for Party unity based on Bolshevik positions. Lenin clarified the Bolshevik principles and propositions of demanding candor and open struggle, striving for peaceful unification, and not fearing a split. He proposed strengthening Party organization, promoting the convening of Party congresses, strengthening the building of Party discipline, carrying out intra-Party self-education, and founding Party organs [5] to overcome the crisis and realize the Party's unity.

Chapter Four: Lenin's Elucidation of Party Theory and Tactics during the 1905–1907 Revolution. In January 1905, Russia's first bourgeois-democratic revolution broke out, lasting until mid-1907. After the outbreak, Lenin led and promoted the revolution, expounding the Party's theories and propositions regarding democratic revolution and thereby enriching and developing Marxism. Lenin pointed out that the proletariat must seize leadership of the democratic revolution; that the worker-peasant alliance under proletarian leadership is the primary condition for the victory of the bourgeois-democratic revolution; that a revolutionary-democratic dictatorship of the proletariat and the peasantry must be established; that the Social Democratic Party could participate in a provisional revolutionary government; that an armed uprising by the proletariat was the most urgent task; and that the bourgeois-democratic revolution must be transformed into a socialist revolution. These important ideas played an extremely vital role in educating the proletarian masses, uniting and expanding the Bolshevik organization, and leading the revolution onto the correct path. As the revolution progressed, Lenin criticized the Menshevik policy of compromise and their opportunist tactical line, summarized the practice of revolutionary development, and further enriched the Party's theories and principles. Lenin proposed a series of theories to guide the consolidation of Party building, including maintaining organizational principles and discipline, exerting the advanced role of the proletariat and its party, developing and consolidating Party organizations, convening Party congresses, strengthening the relationship between the Party and the Soviets of Workers' Deputies, leveraging the role of Party organs, and upholding and defending Party spirit.

Chapter Five: Lenin's Party-Building Theory and Practice during the Period of Revolutionary Ebb. The Russian Revolution of 1905–1907 failed under the bloody suppression of the Tsarist reactionary government. This failure brought about organizational, ideological, and political crises within the RSDLP. To preserve and consolidate the underground Social Democratic Party, expand its influence over the masses, and prepare them for a new revolutionary upsurge, Lenin persisted in a "struggle on two fronts," opposing both the Liquidators [6] and the Otzovists [7] and Ultimatists [8]. In the process of criticizing these erroneous ideas, Lenin elucidated Bolshevik principles and tactics under conditions of revolutionary ebb. He expounded on policies such as combining underground work with legal work, the correct relationship between the Duma group [9] and the Party, the principles of parliamentary activity, and the relationship between economic and political strikes. Lenin exposed the essence of the Liquidators, Otzovists, and Ultimatists, clarified the Bolshevik principles and position on Party unity, and pushed for the unification of the Party. He articulated theoretical propositions that the Party must, under these new circumstances, defend Bolshevik organization and its principles, strengthen its ties with the masses, arm the Party with Marxism, build and consolidate underground Party organizations, strengthen discipline, and leverage the roles of the Central Committee, Party congresses, and the Party press. These theories guided the Party through the difficulties of the revolutionary ebb to meet the new revolutionary high tide.

Chapter Six: Opposing Erroneous Ideas and Guiding Party Building. During the reactionary years of the revolutionary ebb, defending and developing the theoretical foundations of the Party and opposing theoretical vacillation became a major task for Lenin. After the failure of the 1905–1907 revolution, bourgeois ideologists and petty-bourgeois elements launched an offensive against the Marxist worldview and the theories and tactics of the working-class party. Lenin attached great importance to defending the purity of Marxist theory, resolutely struggling against erroneous bourgeois ideas, and exposing thoughts that enticed the working class to abandon the revolutionary movement. The erroneous trend sparked by the Russian Machists [10] caused serious ideological confusion within the Russian workers' movement. The work Materialism and Empirio-criticism was published during a period when international revisionism was rampant, domestic reactionary forces were at their peak of frenzy, and Social Democrats were in unprecedented ideological disarray; it crushed the Machists' attempts to attack Marxism. Lenin criticized revisionism, exposing the essence and roots of Bernsteinian revisionism; he criticized "God-seeking" and "God-building" [11]; and he opposed international opportunism while guiding the international workers' movement, clearing the path for the consolidation and development of the RSDLP.

Chapter Seven: Elucidating the Theory and Tactics of the Social Democratic Party on War, Peace, and Revolution. The outbreak of the First World War created a serious crisis within the European socialist movement. Whether one could correctly understand imperialist war and formulate correct proletarian struggle tactics was both a significant theoretical and practical issue. Lenin exposed the nature of the war and criticized erroneous understandings such as "defense of the fatherland," social-pacifism, "imperialist economism," and "disarmament," clarifying the position and attitude Social Democrats should take toward the war. He analyzed the causes of the collapse of the Second International, opposed and criticized social-chauvinism and the "Center" [12], and pushed forward the proletarian revolution. He resolutely advocated for a complete break with opportunism to purify the revolutionary ranks and achieve genuine international worker solidarity, guiding the Russian Social Democratic Party and the Communist and workers' parties of various countries in formulating strategies and tactics suited to reality. Lenin proposed the Social Democratic tactics for the First World War, including turning the imperialist war into a civil war, taking advantage of the defeat of one's own government in the war, engaging in legal struggle, and organizing underground struggle.

Chapter Eight: Lenin's Party-Building Theory and Practice after the February Revolution. The February Revolution of 1917 in Russia overthrew the Tsarist autocracy, resulting in a situation of dual power: the bourgeois regime represented by the Provisional Government and the Soviets of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies representing the revolutionary-democratic dictatorship of the proletariat and the peasantry. The Bolshevik Party was temporarily in the minority within the Soviets. Lenin guided the Bolsheviks to maintain independence, stand firm, clarify tasks, educate and win over the masses, and prepare for the socialist revolution. After the July Days in Petrograd, Lenin led the Bolsheviks in formulating new theoretical strategies and tactical orientations to strive for the victory of the socialist revolution, which ultimately led to the success of the October Revolution. In The State and Revolution, Lenin criticized erroneous views on the state and proletarian revolution, summarized the experiences of Russian and international proletarian revolutions, and explained and defended the Marxist theory of the state. During this period, while leading the Bolsheviks to formulate revolutionary tactics according to the changing situation, Lenin also guided Party building. He proposed changing the Party's name, revising the Party program, strengthening organizational construction, and tightening discipline, further enriching and perfecting the theory and practice of Party building.

Chapter Nine: Elucidating the Status and Role of the Party in Socialist Construction. After the victory of the October Revolution, socialist construction in Soviet Russia had to be carried out under extremely difficult conditions. During this period, Lenin led the establishment and consolidation of Soviet power and the Bolshevik Party, establishing the leadership status of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks). Amid complex class struggles and shifts in political forces, he dissolved the Constituent Assembly to defend the nascent Soviet regime and signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk to preserve it. Lenin believed that the proletarian party is the leader within the system of the dictatorship of the proletariat, occupying the leading position and playing the leading role in a socialist state. Within a Soviet socialist state, only the vanguard of the proletariat can lead the country. The Party's task is to provide general leadership over the work of all state organs. Lenin elucidated the relationship between the Party and the Soviets, the dictatorship of the proletariat, and trade unions, establishing and consolidating the Party’s leading status and role in socialist construction. Faced with the reality of Soviet Russia's relative economic and cultural backwardness, Lenin proposed that the governing Communist Party must excel in economic work, be adept at leading and leveraging the role of the masses, and lead the entire Party and nation in restoring and developing the national economy and advancing the cause of socialist construction.

Chapter Ten addresses promoting the reconstruction of international proletarian organizations and providing guidance to international proletarian political parties. Against the backdrop of the bankruptcy of the Second International [13], the rapid development of the international workers' movement, and the successive establishment of Communist Parties in various countries, Lenin pushed for the reconstruction of the International. In March 1919, the First Congress of the Communist International (Comintern) was convened, and the international communist movement achieved further development. Lenin elucidated the theoretical and action programs of the Comintern and formulated the conditions for admission. Under Lenin's leadership, the Comintern strengthened its organizational building, defining its status, organizational nature, structure, and methods of work, as well as the obligations to be fulfilled by the member parties of various countries. He also established a series of organizational bodies, including the Executive Committee of the Communist International (ECCI), the World Congress, and the Presidium of the ECCI. Lenin pointed out that the tasks of the Communist International were to carry out the proletarian revolution, establish Soviet republics, and provide genuine support for the liberation movements of oppressed nations and colonies. Lenin’s thought on reconstructing international proletarian organizations inherited and developed the Marxist principles of international revolution, guided the Communist Parties and workers' movements worldwide, and holds great significance for the development of the international communist movement. Lenin was deeply concerned with the development of Communist Parties and workers' movements globally; he guided the "Left-wing" [14] within the international communist movement, expounded on the strategy and tactics of proletarian parties, and directed the revolutionary struggles and organizational building of parties in various nations.

Chapter Eleven covers Lenin's theory and practice of Party building during the period of the New Economic Policy (NEP) [15]. In the process of leading socialist construction, Lenin attached great importance to the self-building of the proletarian ruling party as the leader of socialist construction, forming a rich and systematic body of scientific thought. During the NEP period, situated within a complex internal and external situation and facing Russia's national conditions and the Party's historical mission, Lenin possessed the courage to explore and practice. Lenin emphasized that in the process of leading socialist construction, the Party bears the heavy responsibility of leading all aspects of the nation's economic, political, cultural, and social life. He argued that holding power and managing and building the state is a longer, more complex, and more arduous historical journey than the seizure of power, which places higher demands on Party members and organizations. Lenin expounded upon the theory of building a proletarian political party, particularly under the conditions of being in power, and proposed important theoretical and strategic measures for Party building. Lenin put forward essential theories on strengthening Party unity, enhancing organizational building, consolidating the Party's ideological and political building, work style, and discipline, improving institutional building, and constructing a learning-oriented political party.

The report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC pointed out: "To build a modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, the key lies in the Party." The Communist Party of China is the largest Marxist ruling party in the world. Since the 18th National Congress, the CPC has inherited and developed Marxist party-building theory, summarized and applied the historical experience of the Party's century-long struggle, and deeply advanced innovations in the practice, theory, and system of governing the Party. It has reached new heights in its systematic understanding of what kind of long-term governing Marxist party to build and how to build it. The CPC persists in and develops Marxist party-building theory, having created a century of great achievements through magnificent struggle. In the future, it will use new magnificent struggles to create new achievements. The entire Party, the entire military, and the people of all ethnic groups across the country will strive in unity to build a modern socialist country in all respects and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!

About the Authors

Xin Xiangyang is the Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). He is a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, Dean of the School of Marxism at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Deputy Director of the Research Center for the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, Executive Director of the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and Deputy Director of the World Socialism Research Center. He is a Grade-Two Researcher and doctoral supervisor. In 2012, he received the State Council Special Government Allowance; in 2015, he was selected for the "Four Batches of Talents" in the propaganda and culture system by the Central Propaganda Department; and in 2016, he was named a leading talent in the "Ten Thousand Talents Program" by the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. He serves as a judge for the National Social Science Fund and the National Publication Fund. His social appointments include Special Researcher of the China Ideological and Political Work Research Association and Guest Researcher of the National Party Building Research Association. His main research achievements include 20 monographs, editing or participating in the writing of over 30 books, and publishing over 400 articles in newspapers and journals such as People's Daily, Guangming Daily, Marxism Studies, and Studies on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. He has led or participated in over 50 national, provincial, or ministerial-level research projects and has won more than 10 national and provincial-level awards.

Yuan Xiuli is the Deputy Director and Researcher of the Department of International Communist Movement Studies at the Institute of Marxism Studies, CASS. She mainly engages in research on scientific socialism and the international communist movement. Her published monographs include International Factors and Stalin's Theory and Practice of Socialist Construction, A Contemporary Interpretation of Lenin's View of Socialism, Ideals and Reality: Lenin's Thought on the Relationship Between the Two Systems and Its Contemporary Implications, and The Banner—Leading the New Voyage of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era. She has published dozens of articles in journals and newspapers such as Marxism Studies, Guangming Daily, and Red Flag Manuscript.