Eurocommunism: Myth or Monolith.
Abstract
The rise in influence of Communist parties in Western Europe--especially in France, Italy, and Spain--is a significant political challenge facing both East and West. These three parties advocate a moderate model of socialism stressing autonomy from the universality of the Soviet experience, democratic pluralism, and the working together of various political forces in coalition governments. Examining Eurocommunism from the perspective of history, ideology, and politics, the author concludes that the movement is an attempt to gain power through legitimate electoral processes by making necessary adaptations to Marxist-Leninism. Although there are questions concerning the sincerity of the promises of these Communist Parties, the Eurocommunists provide as great a challenge to the Soviets and their hegemony over Eastern Europe as they do to the West. The United States should adopt a flexible policy to address the challenge and slow down the parties advances. As Eurocommunists venture into Western politics, both East and West are threatened; the West, however, has least to fear.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 09, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA042856
Entities
People
- James P. Todd
Organizations
- United States Army War College