Results and Prospects (eBook)

Leon Trotsky (1879–1940), born Lev Davidovich Bronstein, was an influential Marxist theorist, revolutionary leader, and a primary figure in the 1917 October Revolution in Russia, which he played a significant role in organizing as the leader of the Petrograd Soviet. An important contributor to Bolshevik thought and the development of Marxism, Trotsky is perhaps best known for his theory of 'permanent revolution,' as extensively articulated in his seminal work, 'Results and Prospects' (1906). This book emphasizes the potential for working-class revolutions to spread internationally and criticizes the limitations of a purely national focus in socialist movements. Trotsky's intellectual contributions extend to works such as 'The History of the Russian Revolution' (1930) and 'The Revolution Betrayed' (1936), where he analyzes and critiques the rise of Stalinism in the context of the degeneration of the Soviet Union from the ideals of the October Revolution. A prolific writer and orator, Trotsky combined an acute analytical acumen with an impassioned advocacy for international socialism. Following his expulsion from the Communist Party and subsequent exile from the Soviet Union due to his opposition to Stalin's policies, Trotsky's writings became an ideological cornerstone for the fourth internationalist movement. His literary style, known for its persuasive rhetoric and sharp critique, has made Trotsky's works essential reading for students of political science, international relations, and captivating to a wider audience interested in the history of revolutionary thought.