u/JITTERdUdE - originally from r/GenZhou
Something that’s been in my mind recently. Shit looks like it’s going to hit the fan over the next several years. Seeing how easily the population has slipped into a Russophobic rage through disinformation and propaganda shows that the seeds for fascism have already been planted here. This country’s government does everything to actively suppress communist movements and are attempting to exhaust Marxist-Leninist efforts.
I have developed two reactions to this, one cynical and one more optimistic, but I struggle to tell which one is closer to reality. The cynical side of me thinks that this country has fallen too far into the deep end and can’t be saved, that communism cannot happen in a place like this, and it’s better to leave and start elsewhere than stay and possibly die at the hands of fascists. The other part of me believes that choice could be cowardly, and it is better to stay and create communist infrastructure and protect the marginalized.
u/WingfootDunedain - originally from r/GenZhouWhat are some of your go-to books on a topic like this? Started actually reading theory not long ago and need to get more resources on more practical stuff with a focus on the USA
u/Remarkable-Unit9011 - originally from r/GenZhouAnything by Lenin is very approachable. I would make Imperialism the highest stage of capitalism a first and then state and revolution. Marx himself is very dense. You must read it but it is incredibly difficult to read.
For practical actionable guerrila tactics, Guerrila Warfare by Che is a bible. I would strongly recommend if you choose to listen to it that you buy a physical copy too. Minimanual of the urban Guerrilla by carlos marighella too. If you can find a digital copy, the IRA’s Green Book is also a good resource.
For non marxist authors to give you pragmatic grounding in understanding the liberal enemy, Propaganda by Eduoard Bernays (Lies of the Great War by Arthur Ponsonby is great too) and the Tragedy of Great Power Politics by John Mearshiemer. One will describe how consent is manufactured and validated and the other will explain the basic game theory of international relations particular as socialist nations must navigate the anarchic realities of a not wholly socialist world. The Prince by Machiavelli is also obligatory reading for understanding statecraft.
I would also recommend cursory readings of Mao, Trotsky, Martov and familarising yourself with the writings of Xi. Away from theory, it is important to understand the great struggle of the soviet union between 1921 and 1930 particularly regarding agriculture - ensure you understand the positions of the Left Centre and Right, why people moved positions, why alliances were formed and why policies were implemented (or not) and reversed (or not). It is imperative to understand that Stalin, for all his successes, was flawed and implemented flawed solutions which, conciously or not, damaged socialism. Scouring the opposition factions as well as even the Mensheviks for any scrap of merit to their policy decisions is the burden critical supporters of Marxist-Leninism must carry.
u/Darkone828 - originally from r/GenZhouPeople’s War, People’s Army by Vo Nguyen Giap is great. Can find it here. Also The Art of War by Sun Tzu is also good. Even though it has been co-opted by the corporate scene. Everything u/Remarkable-Unit9011 recommended as well!