The Third World War

Communist or Russian?

There is a basic historical question, of profound practical consequence, that has been often and bitterly disputed since 1917. Is the Soviet state structure—initiated through the Bolshevik insurrection in November 1917, consolidated in the Civil War, and enlarged in the aftermath of the Second World War—primarily Russian or Communist? It is both, of course. But which has priority?

JB

About the Author

James Burnham

Communist or Russian?

There is a basic historical question, of profound practical consequence, that has been often and bitterly disputed since 1917. Is the Soviet state structure—initiated through the Bolshevik insurrection in November 1917, consolidated in the Civil War, and enlarged in the aftermath of the Second World War—primarily Russian or Communist? It is both, of course. But which has priority?