The Communist Party of Vietnam applies and creatively develops Marxism-Leninism.
The application and creative development of Marxism-Leninism to solve the tasks of the Vietnamese revolution has been the guiding and consistent viewpoint of the Communist Party of Vietnam from its founding to the present day.
Le Van Cuong• January 17, 2025
VThe events of the 13th National Congress of the Party affirmed:"Firmly and continuously applying and creatively developing Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought in accordance with the realities of Vietnam in each period."(1)The application and creative development of Marxism-Leninism to solve the tasks of the Vietnamese revolution has been the guiding and consistent viewpoint of the Communist Party of Vietnam since its founding. This is a very large and difficult issue; this article only has the modest goal of offering some initial insights into two issues:1. Why is it necessary to apply Marxism-Leninism creatively?and2. How has the Communist Party of Vietnam applied and creatively developed Marxism-Leninism?
C. Marx and F. Engels published "Manifesto of the Communist Party"In 1848, this was the political program of communists worldwide. The Communist Manifesto scientifically argued for the objective necessity of the transition from capitalism to communism."
The Communist Party of Vietnam must apply and creatively develop Marxism-Leninism in accordance with Vietnamese realities for the following reasons:
- Firstly,The Communist Manifesto in particular, and Marxism-Leninism in general, based on a correct understanding of the laws of development of human society from primitive communism to capitalism, has set forth the most general principles on the objectively inevitable process of transition from capitalism to communism. These are the most general issues, the "compass," and Marx, Engels, and Lenin never pointed out the specific problems that communists in various countries must solve. Karl Marx repeatedly affirmed: "Our ideology is not dogma; it only proves the objective necessity of the transition from capitalism to communism." Based on this orientation (the compass), communists in various countries must develop their own guidelines, strategies, and tactics to solve the revolutionary tasks of their respective countries in each historical stage.
- Secondly,The fundamental scientific tenets in the Communist Manifesto were derived by Marx and Engels based on a deep and comprehensive study of the dynamics of developed capitalist economies in England (primarily), France, Germany, and the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lenin creatively applied, developed, and supplemented Marxism to suit the realities of Russia, a moderately developed capitalist country in Europe (less developed than England, France, and Germany).
In terms of development level, Britain, France, Germany, and Russia were developed capitalist countries, and moreover, imperial powers. Conversely, before September 2, 1945, Vietnam was a French colony (not yet on the world map) with a predominantly backward agricultural economy and underdeveloped industry.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in England, France, Germany, and Russia, the working class became a large industrial workforce and a major political force at the forefront of the struggle against the brutal oppression and exploitation of capitalist employers. In Vietnam, the industrial workforce was still very small.
Given the economic, social, and political conditions of Vietnam, which are vastly different from those of England, France, Germany, and Russia, the creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism to the specific conditions of Vietnam is an objective necessity and the only path that the Communist Party of Vietnam must pursue.
- Thirdly,The economy, science, technology, and international relations today are vastly different from those of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, globalization was not yet developed, international economic and political institutions (World Bank, IMF, WTO, United Nations, etc.) did not exist, social networks did not yet exist, and geopolitical, geoeconomic, and geostrategic issues had not yet become major global concerns related to the security and development of individual countries. In other words, the international relations of countries undergoing socialist revolutions (developing along socialist lines) differed significantly from the period when Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Lenin developed their doctrines. Therefore, ruling communist parties, including the Communist Party of Vietnam, had to creatively apply and develop Marxism-Leninism to the specific conditions of Vietnam in this new era.
It takes the collaboration of hundreds of scientists over many years to objectively and convincingly argue this issue. This article has a very modest goal: to initially identify the general application and creative development of Marxism-Leninism by the Communist Party of Vietnam in the following areas: 1. In Party building; 2. In formulating revolutionary guidelines, strategies, and tactics; 3. In building revolutionary forces; 4. In revolutionary warfare and building the armed forces; 5. In formulating guidelines, strategies, and policies for economic development; 6. In combining national strength with the strength of the times.
- Firstly, The application and creative development of Marxism-Leninism by the Communist Party of Vietnam in Party building.
Ideally, start with the Communist Party Charter.
The Communist Party of Russia (the predecessor of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union) was founded by Lenin in 1903. The Statute of the Communist Party of Russia (1903) defined the Communist Party of Russia as the vanguard of the Russian proletariat. The basic content of this—the class nature of the party—was retained in every revision of the Statute of the Communist Party of Russia (Soviet Union) from 1903 to December 1991.
The Charter of the Communist Party of Vietnam states: "The Communist Party of Vietnam is the vanguard of the working class, and at the same time is...""The vanguard of the working people and of the Vietnamese nation, the faithful representative of the interests of the working class, the working people, and the nation."(2), and"Members of the Communist Party of Vietnam are revolutionary fighters in the vanguard of the working class, the working people, and the Vietnamese nation, striving throughout their lives for the goals and ideals of the Party, placing the interests of the Fatherland, the working class, and the working people above personal interests..."(3).
"The Communist Party of Vietnam is the ruling party, respecting and promoting the people's right to self-governance, subject to the people's supervision, and relying on the people to build the Party..."(4).
To concretize the Party Charter, the resolutions of the Party Congress have demonstrated a high level of political determination:"Establishing regulations and measures to implement people's supervision of the activities of the Party, the State, and Party officials and members."and"The activities of the Party and the State must be subject to the supervision of the people. The trust, support, and assistance of the people are the source of strength, the foundation of victory, and the precious asset of the Party."(5).
These issues are not found in the Statutes of the Communist Party of Russia (Soviet Union) and are not present in any important documents of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The Communist Party of Russia, founded by Lenin in 1903 (lasting until December 1991), and the Communist Party of Vietnam, founded by Ho Chi Minh in 1930, share the same revolutionary and scientific nature, but this is expressed differently in their party statutes and important party documents – that is, the creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism by the Communist Party of Vietnam in the Vietnamese context.
- Secondly,The Communist Party of Vietnam has creatively applied and developed Marxism-Leninism in formulating its revolutionary line, strategy, and tactics.
"Applying and creatively developing Marxism-Leninism to the specific conditions of Vietnam, a semi-feudal colonial country, President Ho Chi Minh advocated that first and foremost, a national liberation revolution must be carried out to abolish the yoke of imperialism and feudalism, achieve national independence and democracy, and only then proceed with the socialist revolution to liberate the working class, liberate society, and liberate humanity... Linking national independence with socialism, and linking national tasks with international obligations."(6).
The core of the Vietnamese Communist Party's revolutionary line over the past 95 years has been the unity between the interests of the nation and the interests of the working class, between national independence and socialism, between national sovereignty and interests and noble, pure international obligations.
This has been the overarching line of the Vietnamese revolution from 1930 to the present and will continue into the future. Based on this general line, in each historical period, the Communist Party of Vietnam develops strategies and tactics appropriate to the domestic and international situation, mobilizing all forces for the central task to achieve victory. The creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism in building and directing the implementation of revolutionary strategies and tactics is the main reason why the Vietnamese revolution achieved victory under extremely difficult conditions.
- Thirdly,The Communist Party of Vietnam has creatively applied and developed Marxism-Leninism in building revolutionary forces.
“The banner of national independence and socialism of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh has created a new strength for all patriotic Vietnamese people who love independence and freedom, regardless of gender, age, wealth, occupation, religion, or ethnicity... based on the solid foundation of the worker-peasant-intellectual alliance, promoting the people's right to self-governance, the new regime, the people's democratic regime, and the socialist regime.”(7).
During the national democratic revolution (1945-1975) and the resistance against foreign aggression (February-March 1979), the Vietnamese people had to confront foreign powers that were dozens, even hundreds of times larger. In the face of immense difficulties when confronting such a formidable enemy, President Ho Chi Minh once again demonstrated his unwavering resolve."We earnestly appeal to all honest and patriotic people, regardless of class, religion, political views, or past affiliations, to honestly cooperate and strive for the people and the nation to achieve peace, unity, independence, and national sovereignty in our beloved Vietnam."(8),And the caller:Unity, unity, great unity, success, success, great success!
In the article"We should study our history."(9)Ho Chi Minh clearly stated:"Our history teaches us this lesson:
Whenever our people are united as one, our country will be independent and free.
Conversely, whenever our people are not united, they are invaded by foreign powers.
Therefore, we must now unite, unite quickly, and unite even more firmly under the banner of the Viet Minh to drive out the French and Japanese, and restore our independence and freedom."(10).
President Ho Chi Minh confidently asserted:
"Rivers may dry up, mountains may wear away, but our unity will never diminish. We are determined to pool our strength to safeguard our freedom and independence."(11).
From the Viet Minh Front founded by Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1941), the Lien Viet Front (March 7, 1951) to the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (1960) and the current Vietnam Fatherland Front, these represent the pinnacle of the application and creative development of Marxism-Leninism by the Communist Party of Vietnam in building forces to successfully carry out the two strategic tasks of building and defending the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland.
Fourthly,The Communist Party of Vietnam creatively applied and developed Marxism-Leninism in revolutionary warfare and the building of the armed forces.
The Steering Committee for the Review of the War, under the Political Bureau, affirmed:"To overthrow the yoke of colonialism and defeat the wars of aggression waged by imperialism, our people cannot wage a conventional war with regular troops, but must wage a people's war, involving the entire population, comprehensively and progressively developing, elevating the tradition of the whole nation fighting the enemy, with the entire people as soldiers, to a new quality - the Vietnamese people's war in the Ho Chi Minh era."(12).
In the scientific theoretical system of Marxism-Leninism, there is no concept of "people's war." People's war is a creative development by President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam; it is a creative addition and development by the Communist Party of Vietnam to the Marxist-Leninist theoretical system.
"People's war" has timeless and universal value. The current Russia-Ukraine war is the beginning of a leap forward in warfare using artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned weapons (air and underwater).
Even in war, when sides use AI, the fundamental tenets of people's war remain valid.
Not only developing countries, but also military powers can apply the fundamental theoretical principles of Vietnam's people's war to modern warfare.
Through people's war, the Vietnamese nation defeated the "great empires" (in Ho Chi Minh's words) and gained independence.
From the Russian October Revolution of 1917 until the end of 1991, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union built a powerful Red Army and Navy to fight aggression and defend the Fatherland. To protect national security and maintain social order and safety, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union established the KGB and the police force.
Unlike the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the Communist Party of Vietnam built the People's Army and the People's Police to protect the Fatherland, safeguard national security, and maintain social order and safety.
The People's Army and the People's Police originate from the people and fight for the people. The People's Army and the People's Police have a blood-and-flesh relationship with the people. The support, protection, and assistance of the people make the army and police more confident, multiplying the material and spiritual strength of the armed forces.
With the support of the people, the Vietnam People's Army "completes every task, overcomes every difficulty, and defeats every enemy," and the People's Police remain loyal to the revolutionary ideals of the Party, ready to sacrifice themselves to protect the Party, the State, the people, and the development oriented towards socialism.
- The fifth is,The Communist Party of Vietnam has creatively applied and developed Marxism-Leninism in formulating and implementing its economic development guidelines, strategies, and policies.
In the economic field, the Communist Party of Vietnam has two long-term strategic policies: 1. Developing a socialist-oriented market economy; 2. Integrating into the international economy.
During the period 1919-1924, the Russian Communist Party and Lenin advocated the implementation of the "New Economic Policy," the basic content of which was to use "market" factors to develop the economy during the transitional period to socialism. By the early 1930s, the Soviet Union had essentially abandoned Lenin's New Economic Policy, implementing bureaucratic centralized economic planning. In peacetime, a centrally planned economy is ineffective.
Since 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam has abandoned the centrally planned economic model and implemented a reform policy with two main pillars: 1. Developing a socialist-oriented market economy domestically; 2. Integrating into the international economy.
The path of developing a socialist-oriented market economy and integrating into the international economy has created favorable conditions for the Party, the State, and the people to mobilize all domestic and foreign resources to develop the economy and improve the living standards of the vast majority of the people.
Practice is the criterion of truth.
From 1986 to 2024, the Asia-Pacific region in particular, and the world in general, experienced two severe economic crises: 1. The late 1990s (starting in Thailand in 1997), when countries in the Asia-Pacific region (ASEAN countries, Japan, South Korea, etc.) fell into a severe crisis, but Vietnam did not experience one; 2. The global financial crisis that began in the US in August 2009. Public opinion suggests that the 2009-2010 crisis devastated the world economy to an extent comparable to the Great Depression of 1929-1933. Vietnam was only slightly affected and did not fall into a crisis.
This proves that the Vietnamese Communist Party's policy of developing a socialist-oriented market economy and integrating into the international economy is entirely correct. In essence, this is the creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism by the Vietnamese Communist Party to the specific conditions of Vietnam.
- Sixth,The Communist Party of Vietnam has creatively applied and developed Marxism-Leninism in combining national strength with the strength of the times.
President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam always"Defining the Vietnamese revolution as an inseparable part of the world revolution, placing the Vietnamese revolution and revolutionary war within the overall global context and the revolutionary trends of the era. Accurately assessing the strategies of the major powers involved..."(13).
Along with"Defining the Vietnamese revolution as an inseparable part of the world revolution"The Communist Party of Vietnam consistently implements the policy of..."Make more friends, fewer enemies"in international relations.
During the 1960s and 1970s, China and the Soviet Union were adversaries, viewing each other as enemies. Despite these circumstances, the Communist Party of Vietnam maintained cooperation with the Communist Parties of China and the Soviet Union, and successfully secured significant and effective support and assistance from both the Soviet Union and China.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the European socialist system (1991), based on a correct understanding of the major changes of the new era, the Communist Party of Vietnam wisely adjusted its foreign policy, gradually eliminating the encirclement, embargo, and isolation, and integrating into the world. In July 1995, Vietnam became a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and normalized relations with the United States. In September 2023, Vietnam and the United States established a comprehensive strategic partnership. This event is of historical significance and marks a turning point in Vietnam's foreign policy strategy and policy in the new era.
While maintaining and strengthening traditional friendly relations with China, the Russian Federation, India, the United States, Japan, and key powers in the European Union, we have expanded relations with Latin American, African, and Oceanian countries (primarily with Australia and New Zealand). Thanks to this, we have successfully combined national strength with the strength of the times to develop our economy and enhance Vietnam's role and position in the Asia-Pacific region in particular, and the world in general.
In a volatile and unpredictable world where friends and foes are unclear, the Communist Party of Vietnam has always been vigilant and insightful in expanding international cooperation, creating interwoven interests with leading world powers, avoiding "putting all its eggs in one basket," and selectively participating in alliances to create the strength and position to protect national sovereignty and interests. Therefore, major powers and centers of power (China, the US, the European Union, Russia, India, Japan, etc.) all highly value Vietnam's role and position and seek to strengthen strategic relations with Vietnam.
This is the result of the creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism by the Communist Party of Vietnam in its foreign policy activities.
From the practical experience of 36 years of implementing the reform policy (1986 - 2021), the Communist Party of Vietnam has drawn some issues with a systematic nature:“Continue to firmly grasp and effectively manage the major relationships: the relationship between stability, innovation, and development; between economic innovation and political innovation; between adhering to market laws and ensuring socialist orientation; between developing productive forces and building and gradually perfecting socialist production relations; between the State, the market, and society; between economic growth and cultural development, achieving social progress and equity, and protecting the environment; between building and defending the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland; between independence, self-reliance, and international integration; between Party leadership, State management, and people's ownership; between practicing democracy and strengthening the rule of law and ensuring social discipline.”(14).
The ten major relationships reflect the objective dialectical laws during the transitional period of socialist-oriented development in Vietnam in particular, and are also true for all developing countries that choose a socialist orientation.
This is a new contribution of the Communist Party of Vietnam to the creative development of Marxism-Leninism in the new era.
***
Failing to apply and creatively develop Marxism-Leninism, and instead practicing rigid dogmatism, will inevitably lead to failure.
Thanks to the creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism, the Communist Party of Vietnam led the Vietnamese people to victory against "the great imperialists" (in Ho Chi Minh's words), liberating the nation and building an image as a shining example in the national liberation movement worldwide. Vietnam's success created a catalyst, encouraging oppressed nations around the world to rise up and fight against imperialism and achieve national independence.
Thanks to the creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism, the Communist Party of Vietnam has led the Vietnamese people to achieve great successes in developing a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration, establishing its role, position, and prestige in the Asia-Pacific region in particular, and on the international stage in general.
Every member of the Communist Party of Vietnam and every Vietnamese citizen, both at home and abroad, has the right to be proud of the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam.
We are proud of our heroic nation and our glorious Party; at the same time, we recognize new opportunities and prospects and nurture the aspiration to rise up. This is our preparation as we enter a new era – an era in which the Vietnamese nation rises to stand shoulder to shoulder with powerful nations.
Hanoi, January 2025
1. Communist Party of Vietnam: Documents of the 13th National Congress, CT-ST Publishing House, Hanoi, 2021, Vol. 1, p. 180
2. Communist Party of Vietnam: Statute of the Communist Party of Vietnam, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, p. 4
3. Ibid., p. 7, p. 5
5. Communist Party of Vietnam: “Documents of the 10th National Congress”, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2006, pp. 281 and 304
6. The Steering Committee for the Review of the War, under the Political Bureau: “The Vietnamese Revolutionary War: 1945 - 1975 - Victories and Lessons”, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000, pp. 182-183
7. Ibid., p. 207
8. Ibid., p. 218
9. This article was published in the Vietnam Independent newspaper, issue 117, February 1, 1942.
10. Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 1995, Vol. 3, p. 217
11. Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 1995, Vol. 4, pp. 217-218
12. The Steering Committee for the Review of the War, under the Political Bureau: “The Vietnamese Revolutionary War: 1945 - 1975 - Victories and Lessons”, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000, p. 245
13. Ibid., p. 226
14. Communist Party of Vietnam: Documents of the 13th National Congress, CT-ST Publishing House, Hanoi, 2021, Vol. 1, p. 119
