Ideology: Foreign Policy

Question 1

Why was there debate about Russia’s foreign policy?

Answer 1

• in 1917 Lenin and Bolsheviks believed that Russian revolution would spark revolutions across world
• by 1921 obvious world revolution long way off
• debates whether Russia could be only socialist society on its own - whether important for foreign policy to press for other revolutions

Question 2

What was the left wing view on foreign policy?

Answer 2

• no socialist society can exist on its own
• Communist Russia will only be secure once successful revolutions have occurred in other countries
• Aggressive foreign policy

Question 3

Why did socialism in one country have much greater appeal to communists?

Answer 3

• appealed to Russian nationalism - stressed Russia’s importance as the first communist country
• Permanent revolution appeared defeatist - suggested communism in Russia was doomed - European revolution never happened
• Permanent revolution seen more dangerous - many people feared it would lead to war

Question 4

Which contenders advocated Socialism in one country?

Answer 4

• Bukharin, Stalin

Question 5

Which contenders argued for permanent revolution?

Answer 5

• Trotsky

- later on Zinoviev, Kamenev

Question 6

How did this debate damage Trotsky’s chances of gaining power?

Answer 6

• Socialism in one country had much greater appeal - Bukharin and Stalin could use this to discredit Trotsky