Lenin

Trotsky

Lenin and Trotsky were ideological rivals and political competitors within the Bolshevik movement, often clashing over strategy and leadership.

Gorky

Gorky and Lenin shared a complex friendship, with Gorky supporting Lenin's revolutionary goals but often criticizing his methods.

Kamenev

Kamenev was a close colleague and ally of Lenin, serving as a key Bolshevik leader and often supporting Lenin's policies.

Marx

Lenin revered Marx as the theoretical father of communism, building his revolutionary practice on Marx's doctrines.

The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism

Discussed as the leader of the Bolshevik regime, whose policies and theories are examined critically.

Part I: The Present Condition of Russia

Russell discusses Lenin's role in the Bolshevik government and his ideological influence.

I: What Is Hoped from Bolshevism

Implied as leader of the Bolshevik regime; the chapter discusses the Communist party's concentration of power and hope.

General Characteristics

Described as a non-proletarian Communist who holds the right opinions; Russell recounts Lenin's view on a Labour Government in England and his willingness to sacrifice Russia for the revolution.

III: Lenin, Trotsky and Gorky

Russell describes Lenin as friendly yet dictatorial, devoid of self-importance, and deeply committed to the materialist conception of history. He is skeptical of peaceful transition and advocates for world revolution.

Art and Education

Mentioned as already figuring in woodcuts as a Moses-like deliverer of the people.

VI: The Failure of Russian Industry

Implied as leader behind the policies discussed, though not directly quoted.

International Policy

Russell references Lenin's 'First Sketch of the Theses on National and Colonial Questions' and notes Lenin's role in preventing a Bonapartist military autocracy.

Part II: Bolshevik Theory

Central figure in the exposition of Bolshevik theory.

III: Bolshevik Criticism of Democracy

Implied as the architect of Bolshevik revolutionary theory, though not directly named in this chapter.

Revolution and Dictatorship

Lenin is referenced as the primary exponent of the Bolshevik programme for achieving Communism, particularly in his replies to the Independent Labour Party.

Mechanism and the Individual

Implied as leader of Bolsheviks whose methods are critiqued for sacrificing individual freedom.

Why Russian Communism Has Failed

Implied as leader of the Bolshevik government whose policies are critiqued.

Conditions for the Success of Communism

Referenced indirectly through the policies of the Soviet Government and the Third International, which Russell critiques for promoting premature revolutions.