Ju Junjun: A Review of Domestic Academic Research on World Socialism and the International Communist Movement over the Past Five Years
Currently, the "changes unseen in a century" are accelerating; changes in the world, in our times, and in history are unfolding in unprecedented ways. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spread globally; in 2021, the pandemic remained complex and severe while relations between major powers became increasingly intricate; in 2022, before the pandemic of the century had even ended, the Ukraine crisis erupted; in 2023, the intensity of geopolitical and ideological competition among major powers remained high; and in 2024, the international situation became a tangled web of disorder, with geographic conflicts lingering and escalating. The trend of "decoupling and severing supply chains" led by certain Western countries, represented by the United States, has intensified. At the same time, the Global South is accelerating its rise, and the trajectory of these century-long changes is becoming increasingly clear. This five-year period also coincided with significant historical milestones, including the 200th anniversary of Engels’ birth, the 150th anniversary of Lenin’s birth, the centenary of the Communist Party of China, the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune, the 105th anniversary of the Russian October Revolution, the centenary of Soviet Russia’s implementation of the New Economic Policy, and the 160th anniversary of the founding of the First International. Against this backdrop, the domestic academic community has strengthened its scrutiny and critique of the capitalist system, its research and systematization of the relationship between socialism with Chinese characteristics and world socialism, its summation and refinement of the experiences and lessons of the international communist movement, and its attention to the world socialist movement, pushing related research to deeper levels.
I. Research on the New Theoretical and Practical Dynamics of Real-Existing Socialist Countries
In 2021, while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the ruling parties of four socialist countries—Vietnam, North Korea, Laos, and Cuba—respectively held national congresses to formulate medium- and long-term national development plans, complete the orderly succession of leadership, actively expand diversified diplomacy, and continue to advance socialist construction. Domestic academia conducted multi-faceted analyses and discussions surrounding the new developments in socialist construction in these four countries.
First, analyzing the theory and practice of Vietnamese socialism since the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. In January and February 2021, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) held its 13th National Congress. The meeting summarized the achievements and experiences of 35 years of Vietnamese Doi Moi [1], proposed the goals, directions, and steps to build Vietnam into a socialist-oriented developed country by the middle of the 21st century, and outlined the "Vietnam Dream" of national prosperity and people's happiness. Some scholars evaluated this congress as "a milestone in the history of the development of Vietnamese socialism, sounding the clarion call for Vietnam to enter a new period of development." Following the meeting, Vietnam fully implemented the congress resolutions. Specifically, regarding "the construction of the political system, it has, on the one hand, advanced anti-corruption work with unprecedented intensity and, on the other, promoted the institutional construction of a Vietnamese socialist rule-of-law state... At the same time, the CPV strengthened the Party's leadership over diplomatic work and enhanced exchanges with the ruling parties of socialist countries and other political parties."
Second, interpreting the strategic evolution of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the new developments of North Korean socialism after its 8th National Congress. In January 2021, the WPK held its 8th National Congress. The meeting comprehensively summarized the results of North Korea’s economic development from 2016 to 2020 and formulated a new five-year plan and objectives for domestic and foreign engagement. One scholar commented: "The convening of the 8th Congress of the WPK signifies the institutionalization and mechanization of the political style of the Kim Jong-un era." Regarding the WPK's proposal for North Korea to enter the "Era of Our-State-Firstism" at the 8th Congress, some scholars believe this reflects the "view of the era" held by WPK members represented by Kim Jong-un. It constitutes a historical positioning of the development of the North Korean socialist cause as the WPK responds to new, major, and profound changes in the current international situation and as the construction of North Korean-path socialism enters a new stage.
Third, exploring the renewal and development of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and Lao socialism. In January 2021, the LPRP held its 11th National Congress. The meeting summarized four major experiences and proposed objectives and policy lines for the coming years. One scholar evaluated: "The 11th Congress of the Lao Party was an important meeting held at the 35th anniversary of Lao renewal [2], amidst a complex and volatile world situation and the overlapping effects of the COVID-19 pandemic... It will have a profound impact on Laos's renewal in the period ahead." Some scholars analyzed the LPRP's exploration of the socialist path, arguing that the Party "correctly recognizes and inherits the outstanding achievements of human civilization, including capitalist civilization, and through independent thinking and critical absorption, ensures that the Lao socialist system possesses immense advantages incomparable to other social systems."
Fourth, attending to new trends in Cuban socialist development since the 8th National Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC). In April 2021, the PCC held its 8th National Congress. The meeting summarized Cuba's achievements since the 7th Congress in terms of model updating, the formulation of a new constitution, and the struggle against the pandemic. Domestic scholars evaluated this meeting as "a congress that inherits the past and opens up the future," believing that "the convening of the 8th PCC Congress further consolidated the PCC’s governing foundation and the construction achievements of Cuban socialism." They pointed out that "under the leadership of the PCC, the Cuban people have earnestly implemented the spirit of the 8th Congress, deeply advanced the model update, achieved a difficult recovery of the national economy, steadily advanced the construction of the Party and state systems, and expanded social livelihoods and foreign engagement in a diversified manner." Some scholars summarized the unremitting explorations and unique experiences accumulated by the PCC in terms of Party building. Others argued that as a multi-dimensional, lasting, and systematic project of social renewal, the update of the economic and social model is a choice of the era made by Cuba to respond to the challenges of economic globalization, marking a new historical stage in the self-perfection of Cuba's socialist system.
II. Research on the Current Status and Development Trends of Foreign Communist Parties and Left-Wing Forces
Communist and left-wing parties in various countries are the primary forces of the world socialist movement. Against the backdrop of profound changes in the world political landscape, they are also undergoing unprecedented challenges and transformations. Domestic scholars have explored their current development status, the dilemmas they face, and their coping strategies. Through an in-depth analysis of these political forces, we can more comprehensively grasp the developmental logic and trends of the contemporary world socialist movement and left-wing forces.
First, attending to the theoretical propositions and practical explorations of Communist Parties in developed capitalist countries. The drastic changes in Eastern Europe [3] were a watershed for the world socialist movement and a dividing line in the development process of Communist Parties in developed countries. The domestic academic community has conducted in-depth discussions on the crises, transformations, ideological changes, organizational restructuring, and the theoretical and practical problems faced by Communist Parties in developed countries in the sharply changing environment of the past 30-plus years since the Eastern European upheavals. First is the analysis of the evolution of Communist Parties in developed countries and their adjustments in theory and policy after the Eastern European upheavals. One scholar summarized the Communist Party USA’s difficult exploration of socialist theory from eight aspects: proposing the concept of "Bill of Rights Socialism," strengthening ties with the working class, proposing a new strategy for the 21st century, putting forward a new party program, rethinking the financial crisis, revising the party constitution again, reflecting on socialism, and the path to achieving socialism peacefully. Second is the discussion of the problems and challenges faced by Communist Parties in developed countries. One scholar argued that the de-Marxization of the Italian Communist Party’s theoretical innovations and the weakening or even absence of democratic centralism were internal factors that cannot be ignored in its decline; in the future, it "still faces challenges such as how to overcome internal ideological differences, rebuild mechanisms for close ties with the masses, and effectively exert the role of the Communist Party within political alliances." On the basis of reviewing the centenary history of the Japanese Communist Party, another scholar analyzed the difficulties it has encountered—a domestic political environment that is difficult to improve, immense difficulties in theoretical innovation, and the ups and downs of the international communist movement.
Second, analyzing the development status and policy propositions of Communist Parties in developing countries. On one hand, there is continuous tracking of new developments and changes in Communist Parties in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Scholars have analyzed the unique advantages of Communist Parties in Central and Eastern European countries: they possess advanced Marxist theory as a guiding ideology and have inherited the complete and rigorous organizational foundations and Party-building experience of the former ruling Communist Parties in the region, noting that those in Central and Eastern Europe who remain committed despite adversity are true Marxists. The Communist Party of Belarus is an important socialist force in Belarus; some scholars believe that under the "changes unseen in a century," it has "profoundly reflected on political crises, deepened its understanding of the aggressive nature of capitalism, proposed the goal of party modernization, strengthened Party building politically, organizationally, and ideologically, and actively participated in the country's constitutional amendment and political system reform process, continuously exploring its own country's path to socialist development in theory and practice." On the other hand, there is in-depth analysis of new developments and changes in Communist Parties in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Socialist movements in these regions are important components of the world socialist movement. Since the upheavals in Eastern Europe, the world socialist movement has generally fallen into a low ebb, but some regional minor "high tides" have appeared in these areas, to which domestic scholars have given high evaluations. For example, some scholars analyzed the theoretical innovations of South Asian Communist Parties, believing they have achieved "new breakthroughs in understanding the current international situation, criticizing the capitalist system, and enriching the connotations of socialism."
Third, attending to the current status and development prospects of various Socialist Parties. Some scholars analyzed the multiple practical dilemmas facing the Social Democratic Party of Germany: continuously declining support and electoral losses, the governing difficulties of the "traffic light" coalition government, the shrinking size of the party, and internal factional conflicts. Others analyzed the reasons for the decline of the Socialist Party in France, arguing that "the surface reasons are problems with its campaign slogans, the failure of alliance strategies, and the decline of political credibility; the deep-seated factors are the long-standing ideological emptiness of the Socialist Party, organizational fragmentation, the loss of a class basis, and the rupture between theory and practice." Additionally, scholars have conducted tracking research on the current status of major Socialist Parties in the Middle East, the status and prospects of the Socialist Party of Senegal, and the theoretical development and governing practices of the Socialist Party of Portugal.
Fourth, analyzing the new characteristics and trends of contemporary international left-wing forces. Some scholars analyzed the impact of the new wave of "Left-wing governance" on the Latin American socialist movement, arguing that "the new wave of left-wing governance has improved the overall environment for the development of the Latin American socialist movement, alleviated to some extent the pressure on practical explorations such as '21st Century Socialism' represented by Venezuela, and promoted many Latin American Communist Parties to become participating parties in government, which is conducive to promoting the anti-capitalist struggle in the Latin American region." Large and long-standing left-wing parties are the main body of the world socialist movement. Some scholars analyzed the evolutionary history and enlightenments of these parties, arguing that "the ruling parties of major socialist countries have opened new chapters after many twists and turns, while left-wing parties in other Third World countries are also exploring new paths distinct from capitalism, and Social Democratic parties in Western countries are gradually reclaiming left-wing traditions and returning to class politics." One scholar researched the socialist thought of the New Zealand New Left, arguing that it "reiterated the Marxist class position, reshaped the class vision under new historical conditions, conducted a powerful critique of the welfare state and neoliberalism, and proposed a strategic vision for building socialism in New Zealand." Others analyzed new trends in the development of left-wing parties against the backdrop of European political transformation, arguing that "European party politics continues to evolve, the boundaries between traditional and emerging parties, as well as mainstream and non-mainstream parties, are increasingly blurred, and the clear-cut, stable structure of left-and-right camps has undergone major changes; left-wing parties have entered a new round of adjustment."
III. Research on Main Trends and Schools of Thought in World Socialism
Currently, there are many trends and schools of thought in world socialism. Relatively influential ones include Eco-socialism, Latin American "21st Century Socialism," Social Democracy, Arab Socialism, Market Socialism, Digital Socialism, Feminist Socialism, and New Communism. The domestic academic community has conducted profound analyses of these trends and schools, believing that, overall, socialist trends are numerous and present a complex and diverse state of change.
First, Eco-socialism.
Eco-socialism, also referred to as socialist ecology or green socialism, is a highly influential school of thought within the contemporary currents of world socialism and a critical discourse arising within modern capitalist society. Research on eco-socialism in recent years has focused on its conceptual connotations and principles, eco-socialism in the post-crisis era, and its developmental prospects. Some scholars point out that eco-socialists advocate for "transcending the categories of the capitalist system to construct an eco-socialist society." Others have analyzed the logical starting point and roots of the eco-socialist conception of justice, exploring the paths to achieving justice as well as the theoretical contributions and limitations of this conception. Some scholars posit: "The near-term prospects for eco-socialism remain largely bleak; however, if eco-socialists of all stripes begin to change their current political strategies and organizational forms, gradually moving beyond the centralization-decentralization divide, then the situation might differ."
Second, Latin American "21st Century Socialism." "21st Century Socialism" is a socio-political movement opposing neoliberalism that has risen in several Latin American countries. In recent years, domestic academic attention has concentrated on the history, propositions, and developmental prospects of Latin American "21st Century Socialism." Some scholars argue that "21st Century Socialism" is a positive attempt by Latin American countries to escape the "neoliberal reform trap" and represents a resistance to and transcendence of neoliberalism. Other scholars, proceeding from the broader context of the development of world socialism and left-wing movements, have conducted comprehensive comparative research on Latin American "21st Century Socialism" by tracing the diversity and indigenous development [4] of socialism in the region. They have respectively elaborated on the current status and developmental trends of 21st-century Latin American communism, social democracy, radical socialism, Trotskyism, national socialism, and Cuban socialism, explaining the developmental prospects of socialism in the Latin American region.
Third, Social Democracy. Some scholars have mapped out the two primary paradigms used by researchers of social democracy in recent years: communitarianism and populism, forecasting the future of social democracy—"it is possible for social democratic parties to win through their own policy adjustments, but their social base will remain in a state of volatility." Others have analyzed the reasons why European social democracy is mired in crisis—structural social changes, intensified inequality and poverty, ideological deviations within social democratic parties, and flaws in organizational building—arguing that "center-left parties unable to produce effective solutions will find it difficult to revitalize European social democracy." Scholars have also studied the evolution of the Socialist International's conception of democracy, suggesting it has "experienced a shift from the 'democratic socialist conception of democracy' during its reconstruction, to the 'social democratic conception of democracy' since the end of the Cold War, and further to the 'progressivist conception of democracy' since the financial crisis."
Fourth, Arab Socialism. Arab socialism first emerged in the 1940s; although it contains many schools and diverse propositions, these different factions share a similar ideological foundation and pursuit of values. Scholars have summarized the basic tenets of Arab socialism: taking the realization of Arab national liberation and unity as a primary goal; possessing a strong nationalist orientation; and being based on Islam, opposing exploitation, and demanding the establishment of an equal, just, and happy society where no man exploits another. Some scholars suggest that Arab socialism was the path to modernization for nearly half of the Arab countries after the mid-20th century. At that time, Arab countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, and Somalia, having achieved national liberation and established presidential republics, decided to implement an "Arab-style socialism" distinct from Soviet-style socialism. Arab socialism laid the foundation for the modernization of these countries in the political, economic, and cultural spheres.
Fifth, Market Socialism. Market socialism originated in the 1940s and 50s and gradually matured in the latter half of the 20th century. In recent years, domestic scholars have re-examined its positive significance and shortcomings. Some argue that the judgments of contemporary market socialists regarding the essence of socialism, and their attitude that public ownership of the means of production is non-essential, represent a regression in a sense. Other scholars, through an investigation of the latest stages of development and advocated value-objectives of market socialism in the UK and the US, have demonstrated its contributions to values such as equality, efficiency, freedom, and democracy, further exploring its value claims. Additionally, scholars have analyzed the positive inspirations of market socialism for China's socialist market economy: combining market mechanisms with socialism; properly handling the relationship between the market, planning, and the government; balancing efficiency and equity; and integrating the public ownership economy with other ownership economies.
Sixth, Digital Socialism. Digital socialism is a theoretical wave that has emerged among the Western Left in response to the rapid development of digital technology, aiming for digital struggle against capitalism and a move toward socialist digital liberation. Currently, domestic academia has provided preliminary introductions to this trend and the basic views of its representative figures through translation, introduction, and review. Some scholars believe that digital socialism in a broad sense includes both the narrow digital socialism proposed by Kevin Kelly and other types such as cyber-communism, communicative socialism, and platform socialism. Digital socialism expresses the theoretical wisdom, critical attitude, courage, and spirit of struggle of the Western Left in its choice of theoretical themes, construction of developmental logic, and transformation of theory into practice. However, other scholars argue that digital socialism "possesses obvious deviations in its understanding of the conditions, goals, and subjects for realizing socialism. Not only does it fail to provide effective guidance for social revolution and human liberation in the digital age, but it also obscures the authentic meaning of the 'Two Inevitabilities' [5] inherent in scientific socialism." Furthermore, scholars have conducted follow-up research on schools of thought such as socialist feminism and Neo-Communism.
IV. Research on the History of the International Communist Movement Over the past five years, domestic scholars have summarized the developmental course of the international communist movement and conducted new excavations of important events, organizations, and figures within its history.
First, tracing the developmental course of the international communist movement. Some scholars, beginning with the rise of the international communist movement in the 19th century, have traced its developmental course, reproducing the history of socialism from theory to practice, and from exploration, brilliance, and setbacks to entering a new stage of development. Some scholars have investigated the history of communist movements in countries such as the United States, Australia, the Philippines, and Egypt, as well as regions like South Asia, providing specific data for a comprehensive understanding of the state of the movement in different nations and regions. Others have offered forward-looking predictions on the general situation of the international communist movement, arguing that "the current general situation is one where 'overall low tides' and 'local high tides' coexist."
Second, commemorating major events in the international communist movement at important temporal junctures. The first is exploring the historical contributions and contemporary inspirations of the Paris Commune. Marx once remarked: "Working men’s Paris, with its Commune, will be forever celebrated as the glorious harbinger of a new society. Its martyrs are enshrined in the great heart of the working class." On the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune, domestic academia conducted new discussions on its significance. On one hand, scholars generally affirmed its great historical significance. Some believe the innovations of the Paris Commune served as a rehearsal for Soviet Russia. Others argue it was a product of world historical development that opened a new stage of proletarian revolutionary struggle; created the first workers' government and launched a new journey in exploring the socialist system; provided fresh practical experience and promoted the new development of Marxist theory; and upheld the proletarian revolutionary spirit, sounding the battle cry for the value of human liberation. On the other hand, there is a general emphasis that contemporary Chinese Communists must draw experience and wisdom from the history of the international communist movement, including the Paris Commune. One scholar argues: "In commemorating and mourning the Paris Commune... we should absorb the experiences and lessons of the Commune’s political power construction, fully consider the load-bearing capacity [6] of social members' political abilities and the execution power of political organizations under realistic conditions, and make timely adjustments to political practice, thereby achieving the unity of socialist ideality and reality." The second is commemorating the 100th anniversary of Soviet Russia’s implementation of the New Economic Policy (NEP). Some scholars evaluated: "The Soviet NEP was a magnificent feat of reform that upheld the fundamentals and broke new ground in the history of world socialist development," and "the NEP showed that the RCP(B), as the vanguard party, opened up a Russian path to socialism." Other scholars refuted misinterpretations of the NEP, such as the "temporary measure theory," the "retreat theory," and the "preparation for offensive theory."
Third, affirming the importance of international organizations in the history of the international communist movement. The First International was the first truly broad-based united organization of the international working class, performing immortal service for the development of the international workers', socialist, and communist movements and exerting a profound influence. Some scholars liken the First International to a bridge and bond linking the Communist League and the Second International, arguing that it "united numerous socialist factions with different stances and propositions, gathering them into a great army to strive for and defend the rights and interests of the proletariat and pursue the liberation of the working class, creating a miracle in the international socialist movement" and erecting a monument in the history of the movement. The Second International represents a unique stage in the history of Marxist development theoretically, and a crucial link in the international communist movement practically. Scholars have traced the historical contributions of major theorists of the Second International to scientific socialism, arguing that "the major theorists represented by Plekhanov, Luxemburg, and Kautsky made important historical contributions to the dissemination, development, and advancement of scientific socialist thought, writing a new chapter in the history of Marxist development." The Comintern played a major historical role in establishing Communist parties in many countries, spreading Marxism-Leninism, and supporting the liberation of the proletariat and oppressed peoples, as well as the global anti-fascist struggle. Scholars analyzed the Comintern's role in the founding of the Communist Party of China, arguing that "the Comintern... helped and promoted the establishment of the CPC, and its relevant spirit and requirements also deeply influenced the Party-building work of the CPC."
Fourth, commemorating important figures in the history of the international communist movement at important temporal junctures.
On the occasions of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Engels, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Lenin, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Rosa Luxemburg, and the 130th anniversary of the birth of Antonio Gramsci, domestic scholars have authored numerous articles affirming their historical contributions to the international communist movement. First, there has been a commemoration and celebration of Engels’ immortal contributions to the movement. On one hand, scholars have re-evaluated Engels' theoretical contributions. Some revisited his brilliant thoughts, remembering his life, career, and noble character, noting that he was a great proletarian thinker, one of the primary founders of Marxism, and a revolutionary mentor to the world's proletariat and working people. They argued that he consistently insisted on enriching and developing Marxist theory based on new socio-historical conditions and scientific achievements, serving as the innovator of a series of important ideas and judgments. They pointed out that as a great proletarian revolutionary, he stood at the forefront of the international communist movement throughout his life, dedicating all his energy and wisdom to the liberation of the proletariat and the working masses. On the other hand, scholars fully affirmed Engels' historical contributions to the international communist movement, arguing that in the process of transforming socialism from utopia to science, he proposed the theory of the working class, laying the class foundation for scientific socialism; he drafted the program and manifesto for the first global proletarian political party, laying the movement's political foundation; and he elucidated the "two cornerstones" theory [7], providing objective criteria for the transition of socialism from utopia to science.
Second, scholars emphasized the contemporary value of Leninism. Some praised him by stating: "Lenin was the world’s communists' universally recognized great proletarian revolutionary and statesman following the deaths of Marx and Engels—a historical giant who changed the direction of human society." Some summarized important theoretical perspectives by sorting through the documents Lenin left behind via dictation before his death regarding the development of Eastern societies. Other scholars revisited Lenin's philosophical reflections and foresight. Third, there was an analysis of Luxemburg's revolutionary character and the practical significance of her thought. Lenin called Luxemburg a "distinguished representative of the revolutionary proletariat and genuine Marxism." Scholars analyzed her theoretical contributions to scientific socialism through three lenses: her thorough critique of capitalism, her defense and development of revolutionary theory, and her scientific understanding of socialism. Fourth, domestic scholarship explored Gramsci's historical status and theoretical contributions. As a founder and early leader of the Italian Communist Party and an activist in the international communist movement, Gramsci not only led the Italian working class in the anti-fascist struggle but also conducted comprehensive examinations and reflections on contemporary economic, social, political, cultural, and religious issues. On the 130th anniversary of Gramsci's birth, the domestic academic community re-examined his theoretical contributions, regarding him as a founder and early leader of the Italian Communist Party, a progenitor of Western Marxism and Eurocommunism, and one of the 20th century’s earliest socialist thinkers recognized in contemporary Europe.
Fifth, scholars analyzed the causes and historical lessons of the Drastic Changes in Eastern Europe [8]. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the Drastic Changes in Eastern Europe were tragic events in the 20th-century history of the international communist movement. For over 30 years, discussions on these major historical events have never ceased. To date, three popular views exist regarding the fundamental cause of the Soviet collapse: first, that Soviet economic development failed, particularly regarding people’s livelihoods; second, the blame is placed on corruption; third, the collapse is attributed to the metamorphosis of the upper-level elite. Some scholars argue that while the phenomena and facts involved in these three explanations exist to an extent, none are sufficient to explain the collapse, as they were not necessary and sufficient conditions for the state's disintegration. On the 30th anniversary of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, domestic academics again explored its causes, consequences, and lessons. Some scholars believe the causes were multifaceted, including ideological, organizational, and political factors. Others argue the rise and fall of the Soviet Union were closely linked to the development of the modern technological revolution: "The Soviet Union delayed its engagement with the latest technological and industrial revolutions centered on information technology, leading to the decline of national strength; this was also a foundational and fundamental factor in the Soviet upheaval." Scholars unanimously agree that the severe consequences and painful lessons of the Drastic Changes in Eastern Europe serve as a mirror; one must use them as a reference to correctly understand the CPC's century of brilliance and unswervingly follow the "new road of internalizing the tests" [9] to achieve the Second Centenary Goal. After analyzing the relationship between historical nihilism [10] and the Soviet collapse, some scholars proposed that great importance must be placed on countering and criticizing historical nihilism, earnestly responding to Western strategies of "peaceful evolution" [11], keeping the leadership of the ideological sphere firmly in the hands of loyal Marxists, and deeply studying the "Four Histories" [12] to enhance the ability to resist erroneous trends such as historical nihilism.
V. Research on the Historical Course and Development Trends of World Socialism
Over the past five years, domestic academic investigations into world socialism and the international communist movement have moved beyond historical and specific research toward a focus on holistic analysis and understanding. That is, they examine the historical process of development and the new periodic characteristics of world socialism within the broad context of the competition between the two systems [socialism and capitalism], thereby judging the future trends and prospects of the world socialist movement on the basis of new developmental momentum.
First, scholars have showcased the historical process of world socialism’s development. The volume The Right Path of Vicissitudes: The Past, Present, and Future of World Socialism from the "Five Hundred Years of World Socialism Book Series" uses the historical process as its main thread to "introduce the transitions between historical stages of socialist development, the origins and consequences of major historical events, key turning points, lessons learned, current status, and development trends, clarifying the necessity of socialism’s birth and the zigzagging, complex, righteous, mass-based, practical, and trend-setting nature of its development." The volume The Great Sifting of Sands: A Stroll Through the History of Socialist Thought systematically analyzes the rise and fall of Utopian socialism, scientific socialism, and Soviet socialism, the dissemination and development of scientific socialism in China, socialism in other socialist countries, and other socialist trends and schools. Other scholars argue that socialism is a social ideal and transformation born alongside capitalism: "In its coexistence—and especially its opposition and contestation—with capitalism, socialism has undergone a developmental process from utopia to science, from theory to practice, and from one country to many."
Second, scholars have examined the new periodic characteristics of contemporary world socialism. What developmental stage is world socialism currently in, and what are its characteristics? Some scholars summarized periodic characteristics from five perspectives: from setback to revival (world socialism moving from a broad trough into a long-cycle ascending channel); from West to East (the focus of world socialism shifting from the Soviet Union to the success of socialism with Chinese characteristics); from the command of "big-party-ism" to the independent exploration of various socialist countries; from a past surge in the number of socialist states to steady, high-quality development; and from the initial establishment of socialist states to the refinement and solidification of their systems. Other scholars summarized these features into four points: the contemporarization of socialist theory, the pluralization of socialist paths, the autonomization of the socialist movement, and the modernization of the relationship between the two systems.
Third, scholars analyzed the current problems and challenges facing world socialism. Some argue that while world socialism finds opportunities and favorable conditions within the crises of capitalism, it also faces many challenges. For instance, the overall situation of "strong capitalism and weak socialism" has not fundamentally changed, the marginalization of foreign socialist theory is difficult to alter in the short term, the influence of socialist parties and forces remains weak, and socialist subjects appear fragmented and in a "state-in-itself." Others believe the development of world socialism faces immense challenges, such as the difficulty for other socialist countries to shoulder the heavy responsibility of socialist revival; the deep-seated problems within Western communist parties, which will take a long time to rectify; and the fragmented nature of socialist trends, making it difficult to form a global left-wing united front in the short term.
Fourth, scholars have evaluated the development trends of the world socialist movement in the 21st century. Some took a holistic view, arguing that: "Facing changes unseen in a century, the world socialist movement—under complex and volatile historical environments and influenced by the dual forces of China's development miracle and the decline of capitalism—is regrouping and gradually moving from a low ebb toward revival." Some used terms like "a lone flower blooming" and "blossoming at multiple points" to describe the new state of the movement. The former refers to China’s development trend within the movement, while the latter refers to socialist countries like Vietnam, North Korea, Laos, and Cuba entering a new period of modernization, the resurgence of socialist trends in Latin America, more pronounced socialist policy inclinations in countries like Nepal and Belarus, and signs of recovery for socialist thought in Western capitalist countries. Looking ahead, some scholars proposed that a new round of technological and industrial revolutions is becoming a major driver for socialist development, globalization is becoming the historical stage for world socialism, and diversification will become the normative form of the movement. Socialist goals are increasingly directly linked to national modernization goals, and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature will be an important feature of socialism.
VI. Research on the Global Significance of the CPC’s Theory and Practice
Over its century-long journey, the Communist Party of China has consistently upheld the fundamentals and broke new ground regarding Marxism. It has not only created the two miracles of long-term social stability and rapid economic development but has also made multiple contributions to world socialism. Domestic academics have conducted in-depth research on this.
First, scholars explained the CPC's major contributions to the international communist movement. The CPC has made significant contributions, especially since the 18th National Congress [13], as its influence within the movement has increased substantially. Scholars emphasized that the history of the CPC is an essential component of the history of the international communist movement: "Standing at a new historical coordinate, the CPC continuously summarizes and reflects on the experience of the movement, supports and respects the independent exploration of socialist paths by other countries, and promotes mutual exchange and learning. It has injected strong vitality into the international communist movement, becoming a beacon for the movement in the New Era." Others stated bluntly: "The greatest 'growth point' of international communism in the 30-plus years since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Drastic Changes in Eastern Europe is socialism with Chinese characteristics." The Chinese revolution led by the CPC is an important part of the movement, and the cause of socialist construction and reform is of great significance to it. In the New Era, the CPC has made major contributions to 21st-century socialism. Some scholars examined "21st-century Marxism" within the horizon of the international communist movement and the long river of Marxist history, analyzing the temporal scope of the "21st century," the spatial scope of the "world," and the nature of "Marxism" to grasp the CPC’s major responsibility in developing Marxism in this century.
Second, scholars analyzed the significance of Chinese-path modernization for the modernization of world socialism. Once the concept of "Chinese-path modernization" was proposed, it sparked heated discussions among domestic and international politicians, media, and academics. Domestic scholars have provided comprehensive and profound explanations of its theory and significance, generally believing that Chinese-path modernization has achieved an all-around transcendence of capitalist modernization and that the great achievements in China's modernization benefit from the CPC's practice and development of Marxist modernization theory. "The exploration and practice of Chinese-path modernization provide a different choice from that of Western developed countries for developing nations." Chinese-path modernization "continuously provides answers to the 'questions of China, the world, the people, and the times' that meet China's reality and the requirements of the era, successfully responding to a series of major scientific socialist issues such as liberating and developing productive forces, the free and comprehensive development of individuals, and the relationship between humanity and nature, thereby pushing scientific socialism and socialist modernization into the 21st century." "Chinese-path modernization has broken the shackles of traditional socialist models, opened a new alternative for the path of socialist modernization, allowed scientific socialism to regain vigorous vitality in China, and opened bright prospects for the development of world socialism."
Third, scholars explored the contribution of socialism with Chinese characteristics to world socialism.
Some scholars argue that "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics serves as the mainstay of scientific socialism in the 21st century; it will promote the transition of world socialism from a traditional to a modern model, and its creation of a new form of human civilization will make new and greater contributions to humanity." Starting from the century-long struggle of the Communist Party of China (CPC), other scholars contend that "the revolution, construction, and reform practices led by the CPC in uniting the Chinese people have enriched and developed world socialism, making significant practical, theoretical, institutional, and cultural contributions, and opening a new realm for the liberation of the proletariat and the free and comprehensive development of individuals." Furthermore, some scholars have analyzed the global significance of the CPC's theoretical innovation in the New Era from multiple perspectives: "Self-revolution has opened a new realm for the building of Marxist political parties, providing a 'magic weapon' [14] for Marxist parties worldwide to maintain their vitality; the path of Chinese-path modernization and common prosperity has created a new form of human civilization, offering a brand-new choice [15] for countries and nations that wish to accelerate their development while maintaining their independence; the construction of ecological civilization, as an original theoretical achievement, has contributed Chinese wisdom to the realization of sustainable development for humanity; and the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity has contributed Chinese wisdom to the world and made a global contribution to resolving the historic challenges facing all of humanity."
VII. Conclusion
Against the backdrop of "great changes unseen in a century" [16], the research forces in the field of world socialism and the international communist movement have continuously grown, research fields have expanded, content has become increasingly enriched, and practical relevance has strengthened. As the historical environment facing the world socialist movement becomes more complex and volatile, and as the actors on the stage of world socialism and the international communist movement become increasingly diverse, future research must continue to probe deeper within the tension between historical legacy and contemporary challenges.
On one hand, it is necessary to build a closer and more vibrant "academic community with a shared future" through resource sharing and collaborative innovation. Currently, among the research ranks in relevant domestic fields, "the professional foundation of the new forces is weak, academic accumulation is insufficient, there is much repetitive labor, and innovative results are relatively few," meaning it will take time for young and middle-aged scholars to mature. In the future, superior resources can be concentrated through interdisciplinary, inter-institutional, and cross-domain collaboration to achieve collaborative innovation on a larger scale; meanwhile, existing research forces should be further integrated through various platforms to construct an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial academic ecosystem.
On the other hand, it is essential to enhance the theoretical depth and forward-looking nature of research, forming a Chinese autonomous knowledge system and discourse system that responds to contemporary developments. Using a methodology that combines history with reality and theory with practice to provide suggestions and theoretical support for the development of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and the world socialist movement is the practical significance of research in this field. However, research in this field currently faces issues such as ignoring the developments of the times, indulging in "old tunes" and platitudes inherited over decades, or simplistically equating innovation with "current-politics-ization" (shizhenghua)—interpreting history through the lens of the present and forcibly mapping oneself onto others. It is imperative, while upholding the basic principles of Marxism, to combine multi-disciplinary methods from political science, economics, and sociology to deepen the comprehensive study of world socialism. We must conduct in-depth analyses of the new characteristics, phenomena, and problems emerging in contemporary capitalism and world socialism, place greater emphasis on grasping the overall development trends and laws of world socialism in the 21st century, and produce more theoretical and forward-looking research results. This will facilitate the formation of a knowledge system consistent with the developments of the times and the construction of a discourse system with Chinese characteristics and international influence.