Collapse of the Soviet block and the revival of Socialism: lessons for the strengthening of Socialism

by Bankie Forster Bankie

Pambazuka News | 02 March, 2017

 Source: CNN

This lecture was delivered at the international symposium of ‘The 7^th World Socialism Forum: Marxism in the 21^stCentury’, co-organized by The Social Sciences Press, for The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and The World Socialism Research Centre, Beijing, China, 21-22 October 2016. Dedicated to Bennie Bunsee.]

‘They are slaves who fear to speak

For the fallen and the weak.’ G. Padmore

The events leading to the demise of the area formerly known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), now known as The Russian Federation,  did not signify the end of Socialism, but did lead to the collapse of the Soviet block. Many say that the collapse of the Soviet Union brought to an end a certain interpretation of political philosophy and its application. This meeting in China at this moment in world history signifies that although the days of the Soviet block are over, China led by the Communist Party of China, implementing socialism with Chinese characteristics, holds high the banner of Socialism. What that teaches some is that Socialism in China is implemented learning from the experience of China, knowing that Socialism is adaptable to the realities of the place of application. The experience of China has seen its ups and downs. China continues to chart its way in an international environment not of its choosing.