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The Profound Significance and Contemporary Brilliance of Lenin's Theory and Practice of Party Building: The Main Contents of "Lenin's Theory and Practice of Party Building"

Book Reviews

General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that "our Party was established according to Marxist principles of party building." For over a century, and particularly since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Communist Party of China has inherited and developed Marxist party theory, consistently remaining at the forefront of the times. The CPC, a Marxist party with over 98 million members, has become more united and unified than ever. January 21, 2024, marked the 100th anniversary of Lenin's death. Comprehensively summarizing and systematically reviewing Lenin’s theory and practice of party building serves as a commemoration of his legacy. With firm conviction, rich theory, bold exploration, and courageous practice, Lenin integrated the party theories of Marx and Engels with new historical conditions and the realities of Russia. In doing so, he advanced Marxist party theory to a new stage and made outstanding contributions to the construction and development of proletarian parties. Lenin's theory and practice regarding the new-type proletarian party occupy an important position in the history of Marxist development and continue to hold significant theoretical significance and practical value today. General Secretary Xi Jinping has noted: "Having the guidance of scientific Marxist theory is the distinct 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 represent a major Chinese contribution 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 theory of Marx and Engels with the conditions of the new era and Russian reality, advancing Marxist party theory to a new stage and propelling the development of Marxism. Under Lenin’s leadership, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party underwent a grueling revolutionary journey, achieved victory in the October Revolution, and established the socialist system. Throughout his brief life, across every stage of proletarian revolution and socialist construction, Lenin consistently adhered to and developed Marxist party theory, driving the Party's growth and strength while leading the cause of the Russian proletarian revolution and socialist construction forward. Lenin's new-type proletarian party theory stood the test of both proletarian 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 during this process. Lenin’s party building theory and practice can be broadly divided into five periods: the initial stage of revolution, the period of creating the new-type proletarian party, the period of promoting Party unity, the early period following the victory of the October Revolution, and the period of the New Economic Policy [1]. The book expounds on Lenin's thoughts during different periods regarding the Party’s theoretical construction, organizational construction, ideological and political construction, the improvement of conduct (作风建设) [2], disciplinary construction, institutional construction, and the construction of a learning-oriented party. With its rich content, distinct themes, detailed historical materials, and rigorous argumentation, the book provides a comprehensive display of Lenin’s profound party building theory and great practice.

II. Important Theoretical Significance The report to the 20th CPC National Congress pointed out: 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 reason why our Party can maintain firm faith and conviction and grasp historical initiative." Marxist proletarian party theory, specifically Lenin's new-type proletarian party theory, is the scientific guide for proletarian parties in conducting 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 [3]. This book holds important theoretical significance in several respects:

  1. It is a thematic publication commemorating the centenary of Lenin's death. On January 21, 1924, Lenin, the revolutionary mentor of the proletariat, 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 new-type proletarian party theory holds an important position in the history of Marxism and 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 new-type proletarian party theory, 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 the theoretical propositions and institutional measures of party building, thereby 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), guiding and promoting the development of Communist parties and workers' movements in various countries, making an indelible contribution to the history of the international communist movement. On the 100th anniversary of Lenin's passing, reviewing his party building theory and practice helps us draw wisdom and strength, firm up our ideals and convictions, and serves as the best commemoration of Lenin.

  2. The book possesses original academic character. 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 the proletarian party. Their party theory and practice opened a new stage in the proletarian revolutionary movement. Lenin creatively applied Marxist party theory, based himself on the practice of Russian revolution and construction, and scientifically elucidated a series of major theoretical and practical issues in party building, forming a new crystallization of Marxist party theory. This theory is the scientific guide for proletarian parties in Russia and across the world. The entire book systematically and comprehensively expounds on the theoretical and practical course of Lenin’s efforts to establish and build a proletarian party in Russia. Grounded in objective history and based on detailed documentation, it systematically parses and displays Lenin’s profound party building theory and his momentous party practice. It is a substantial theoretical work.

  3. The book is a theoretical achievement in studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s call to "read original works, study the original text, and grasp the principles." General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed: "Communists should make reading Marxist classics and grasping Marxist principles a life habit and a spiritual pursuit, using the classics to nurture integrity, temper one's thoughts, 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 current situation where the world landscape is undergoing accelerated evolution and complex realistic problems are constantly emerging, the CPC urgently needs to provide theoretical answers. This requires Party members and cadres to earnestly study classic Marxist works, understand and internalize scientific theories, and apply the basic theories of Marxism in practice. "Theoretical clarity and political resolve do not come from 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 arrived at this point and where it is headed—thereby continuously strengthening our confidence in the path, theory, and system of socialism with Chinese characteristics [4]." The deep study and profound understanding of Marxist classics by Chinese Communists will inevitably generate reverence for the Party's cause as well as a persistent defense and advancement of that cause. By basing itself on the study, research, and comprehension of classic Marxist works, this book examines Lenin’s party building theory and practice, thereby deriving scientific theoretical guidance and profound insights.

III. Important Practical Value The comprehensive and systematic study of Lenin's party building theory and practice in this book possesses important practical value. For over a century, the CPC has adhered to Marxism as its guide, armed the entire Party with Marxism, and created, developed, and perfected Party leadership. This has been the vital guarantee for the Party’s continuous growth and its progression from victory to victory. As China enters the new journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and striving toward the Second Centenary Goal, the key lies with the Party. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress stated: "The most defining 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 CPC is the highest force for political leadership." Currently, although the world, national, and Party situations have undergone immense changes, Lenin's theory and practice of party building still possess important contemporary value.

  1. A scientific guide for the CPC to consistently uphold the true nature of a proletarian party. Currently, China is in a period of historical opportunity where much can be achieved, but it also faces various tests from external and internal risks. In this situation, the CPC, as the world's largest political party and a major governing party, must "act like a big party." Being large also brings specific difficulties; managing the Party is no easy task, 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 its true nature, and reflected a commitment to and defense of Marxist party theory. The CPC is the core of leadership for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and must remain clear-headed and determined in solving the "unique challenges facing a large party." The century-long history of the CPC is a great journey of conscious adherence to and persistent defense of Marxist proletarian party theory. The CPC’s firm theoretical consciousness and clear-headedness 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 pays close attention to absorbing the experiences and lessons of the international communist movement, particularly the painful lesson of the Soviet Union, where the abandonment of the Party’s leadership role led to the collapse of the socialist system. The CPC clearly recognizes that consistently upholding and defending the leadership of the proletarian party is vital to the future and destiny of socialism. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted: "The Communist Party of China is the governing party; the Party's leadership status and its governing status are closely linked." As the governing party, the Party is the supreme political force, and adhering to CPC leadership 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 the Marxist governing party does not encounter problems itself, no major problems will occur in the socialist state." At the same time, ensuring that the CPC does not collapse and the Chinese socialist system does not fall during the long historical process of building socialism with Chinese characteristics 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 the fundamental principles of such parties; they were crucial theoretical guides for the CPC’s establishment and construction, as well as for its ability to withstand the severe tests of the "low tide" of the international communist movement [5].

  3. Scientific guidance for identifying erroneous ideas and maintaining strong ideological resolve. In the process of forming and growing Marxist parties, Lenin consistently struggled against various erroneous ideas, distinguishing truth from falsehood and upholding the positions and principles of the proletarian party. This holds important practical significance for contemporary Marxist parties to maintain the correct direction, preserve strong ideological resolve, and keep their true Marxist nature. There is a view suggesting that under today's era conditions, given the trend toward "democratization" among contemporary world political parties and the fundamental changes in the CPC's status, environment, and tasks—specifically after the CPC led the people to seize national power and has governed for a long period—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 distinct, unrelated matters: "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 new-type proletarian party theory remains of significant value. The CPC must continue to adhere to and practice Marxist party theory, consistently excel in the construction of a large party in long-term governance, maintain its Marxist nature, always stay ahead of the times, and remain the "backbone" (主心骨) [6] of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation.

  4. A theoretical guide for resolutely supporting the "Two Establishments" and 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 supporting the "Two Establishments" and achieving the "Two Upholds" [7] in the New Era. The Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party’s Centennial Endeavor points out: "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 position, ensuring the Party remains a strong leadership core at all times. It must take the firm support of 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 military, and the people of all ethnic groups nationwide must unite closely around the Party Central Committee to comprehensively build a modern socialist country 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 exhaustive documentation and rigorous argumentation, it provides a comprehensive display of 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. Through theoretical development, organizational building, and revolutionary practice, Lenin opened a new period for the creation of a new type of proletarian political party in Russia. Lenin examined the two stages of the development of the Russian liberation movement—the aristocratic stage and the plebeian-intellectual or "Populist" (Narodnik) stage [8]. Based on a reflection upon the rich heritage of revolutionary democracy, and through the process of exposing and criticizing Populism and "Legal Marxism" [9], he proposed the "organization of a socialist workers' party" in 1894. In his early revolutionary activities, Lenin actively participated in the formation of Russian Marxist circles and promoted their unification. He led the establishment of the St. Petersburg League of Struggle for the Emancipation of the Working Class, 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 mounting 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. He formulated the Party-building plan, and discussed the guiding ideology, program, statutes, organizational forms, and organizational principles of this new type of party. Lenin proposed using Marxism as guidance to establish a new type of revolutionary organization, in which leaders and leadership groups must 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 (partiinost), and adhere to Party discipline and the principle of democratic centralism. In the summer of 1903, the RSDLP held its Second Congress, where Lenin’s theory for creating a new type of proletarian party achieved victory.

Chapter Three: Promoting the Unity of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. The division between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks emerged at the Second Congress of the RSDLP. Lenin later wrote regarding this: "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 won, unite all party organizations on the basis of the Congress resolutions, and lead the broad masses of the proletariat and peasantry in preparing for the impending revolutionary battles. However, the splitting and sabotage activities of the Mensheviks caused a serious intra-Party crisis. Facing these internal differences, splits, and crises, Lenin resolutely defended the outcomes of the Second Congress, opposed the opportunist line of the Mensheviks, and strove for Party unity on the Bolshevik position. Lenin clarified the Bolshevik principles and advocacy for frankness and open struggle, striving for peaceful unification while not fearing a split. He proposed strengthening Party organization, promoting the convening of Party congresses, strengthening the construction of Party discipline, conducting internal self-education, and founding Party organs (newspapers) to overcome the internal crisis and achieve the Party's solidarity and unity.

Chapter Four: Lenin’s Elucidation of Party Theory and Strategy During the 1905–1907 Revolution. In January 1905, Russia’s first bourgeois-democratic revolution broke out, continuing until mid-1907. Following the outbreak, Lenin led and promoted the revolution, articulating the Party’s theories and propositions regarding democratic revolution, thereby enriching and developing Marxism. Lenin pointed out: the proletariat must seize leadership of the democratic revolution; the worker-peasant alliance under proletarian leadership is the primary condition for the victory of the bourgeois-democratic revolution; a revolutionary-democratic dictatorship of the proletariat and the peasantry must be established; the Social Democratic Party may participate in a provisional revolutionary government; the armed uprising of the proletariat is the most urgent task; and 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 Mensheviks' policy of compromise and their opportunist strategic 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, such as 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, utilizing 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 the masses for a new revolutionary upsurge, Lenin persisted in a struggle on two fronts, opposing both the Liquidators [10] and the Otzovists [11] (and Ultimatists). Through his criticism of these erroneous ideas, Lenin elucidated the Bolshevik principles and tactics under the conditions of a revolutionary ebb. He articulated revolutionary propositions and strategies such as the policy of combining illegal work with legal work, the correct relationship between the Duma group [12] 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 regarding Party unity, and pushed for the unification of the Party. He explained that in the new situation, the Party must defend the Bolshevik organization and its principles, strengthen ties with the masses, arm the Party with Marxism, build and consolidate underground secret organizations, strengthen Party 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 upsurge.

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 vital task for Lenin. After the failure of the 1905–1907 revolution, bourgeois ideologues and petty-bourgeois elements launched an offensive against the Marxist world outlook and the theory 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 those that enticed the working class to abandon the revolutionary movement. The erroneous trend of thought stirred up by the Russian Machists [13] caused serious ideological confusion within the Russian workers' movement. The work Materialism and Empirio-criticism was published in an era when international revisionism was rampant, domestic reactionary forces in Russia were extremely frenzied, and the ideological confusion among Social Democrats was unprecedented; it shattered the Machists' attempts to attack Marxism. Lenin criticized revisionism, exposing the essence and roots of Bernsteinism; he criticized "God-seeking" and "God-building" [14]; 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 Strategy of the Social Democratic Party on Issues of War, Peace, and Revolution. The outbreak of the First World War triggered a serious crisis within the European socialist movement. Whether one could correctly understand imperialist war and formulate correct struggle strategies for the proletariat was both a major 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" theories, clarifying the stance 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 "Centrists," and advanced the proletarian revolution. He resolutely advocated for a complete break with opportunism to purify the revolutionary ranks of the proletariat and achieve true international workers' solidarity, guiding the Russian Social Democratic Party and the communist and workers' parties of various countries in formulating strategies and tactics consistent with reality. Lenin proposed the Social Democratic strategy for the First World War, which included turning the imperialist war into a civil war, utilizing the defeat of one's own government in the war, conducting legal struggles, and organizing underground struggles.

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 state of "dual power" where the bourgeois regime represented by the Provisional Government coexisted with the Soviets of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies, a revolutionary-democratic dictatorship of the workers and peasants. The Bolshevik Party was temporarily in the minority within the Soviets. Lenin guided the Bolsheviks to maintain independence, stand firm, clarify their tasks, educate and win over the masses, and prepare for the socialist revolution. After the July Days [15] in Petrograd, Lenin led the Bolshevik Party in formulating new theoretical strategies and tactical orientations, struggling for the victory of the socialist revolution, which finally culminated in the victory of the October Revolution. In The State and Revolution, he criticized erroneous understandings of the state and proletarian revolution, summarized the experiences of the Russian and international proletarian revolutions, and explained and defended the Marxist theory of the state. During this period, while leading the Bolshevik Party in formulating revolutionary strategies according to the changing situation, Lenin also guided Party building. He proposed changing the Party's name, revising the Party program, strengthening organizational building, and enforcing strict discipline, further enriching and perfecting the theory and practice of Party building.

Chapter Nine: Elucidating the Position 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 of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks). Amidst a complex landscape of class struggle and shifting political forces, he dissolved the Constituent Assembly to defend the nascent Soviet power and signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk to preserve the young socialist regime. 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. In a Soviet socialist state, only the vanguard of the proletariat can lead the country. The Party's task is to exercise over-all leadership [16] over the work of all state organs. Lenin elucidated the relationship between the Party and the Soviets, the dictatorship of the proletariat, and the trade unions, establishing and consolidating the Party's leading position 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 manage economic work effectively, excel at leading and mobilizing the masses, and guide the entire Party and nation in restoring and developing the national economy to advance the cause of socialist construction.

Chapter Ten addresses the promotion of the reconstruction of proletarian international organizations and the guidance of international proletarian political parties. Against the backdrop of the bankruptcy of the Second International [17], the rapid development of the international workers' movement, and the 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, leading to the further development of the international communist movement. 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 working methods, as well as the obligations to be fulfilled by member parties. A series of organizational bodies were established, 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 ideas on reconstructing proletarian international organizations inherited and developed the Marxist principles of international revolution, guided the Communist Parties and workers' movements worldwide, and held great significance for the development of the international communist movement. Lenin maintained a deep concern for the development of Communist Parties and workers' movements globally, guiding the "Left" wing [18] within the international communist movement, elucidating the strategy and tactics of proletarian parties, and directing the revolutionary struggles and organizational building of parties in various countries.

Chapter Eleven discusses Lenin’s theory and practice of Party building during the period of the New Economic Policy (NEP) [19]. In the process of leading socialist construction, Lenin attached great importance to the self-construction of the proletarian ruling party—the leader of socialist construction—forming a rich and systematic body of scientific thought. During the NEP period, amid a complex domestic and international situation, Lenin faced Russia's national conditions and the Party's historical mission with 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 noted that holding power and managing and building a 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 elaborated on the theory of proletarian party building, particularly under the conditions of being in power, and proposed important theoretical and strategic measures for Party building. Lenin put forward vital theories on strengthening Party unity and organizational building, consolidating the Party's ideological and political building, the Party's work style, and its discipline, as well as improving the Party's institutional building and developing a learning-oriented political party.

The report to the 20th CPC National Congress pointed out: "The key to building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts lies in the Party." The Communist Party of China is the largest Marxist ruling party in the world. Since the 18th CPC 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 promoted innovation in the practice, theory, and institutions of governing and disciplining the Party. It has reached new heights in its regular understanding of what kind of long-term governing Marxist party to build and how to build it. The CPC adheres to and develops Marxist party-building theory, having created a century of great achievements through magnificent struggle. In the future, the Party will create new achievements through new magnificent struggles. The entire Party, the entire military, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups will struggle in unity to build a modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts!

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), 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 New Era Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, Deputy Director of the World Socialism Research Center, and a Grade-II Research Fellow and doctoral supervisor. In 2012, he was awarded the State Council Special Government Allowance; in 2015, he was selected as one of the "Four Batches of Talents" in the propaganda and culture system by the Central Propaganda Department; and in 2016, he was selected as a leading talent in the "Ten Thousand Talents Program" by the Central Organization Department and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. He serves as an evaluator for the National Social Science Fund and the National Publication Foundation. His social appointments include positions as a special researcher at the China Ideological and Political Work Research Association and the National Association for Party Building Research. His main research achievements include 20 monographs, editing or participating in the writing of over 30 books, and publishing more than 400 articles in newspapers and journals such as People's Daily, Guangming Daily, Marxist Studies, and Studies on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. He has presided over or participated in over 50 national, provincial, or ministerial-level research projects and has received more than 10 national and provincial-level awards.

Yuan Xiuli is the Deputy Director and a Research Fellow of the Department of International Communist Movement Research at the Institute of Marxism Studies, CASS. Her research primarily focuses 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 Thoughts on the Relationship Between the Two Systems and Their 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 such as Marxist Studies, Guangming Daily, and Red Flag Manuscript.