Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.7, 2017

 

A Century of Exploration of Party Politics in Socialist Countries

(Abstract)

 

Wang Shaoxing

 

 Against the background of the long evolution of political civilization, the new political form of party politics has experienced a century of development in socialist countries. The exploration of this development involves the two general fields of party supervisory activities and national governance by the ruling Marxist party, which are embodied in various aspects, including intra-and inter-party relations and relations between parties and the government and between parties and society, as well as foreign relations. The development covers three historical periods: initiation, pioneered by the Soviet Union; practice and setbacks in many countries; and creative development at a new historical starting point in China, Vietnam and other countries. Over the past century, the establishment of a basic system of party politics in socialist countries and the full rein given to its institutional advantages are closely related to the fact that Marxist ruling parties have been carrying out effective theoretical reflection and value identification, sticking to the truth and rectifying mistakes with unusual strategic focus and a high tactical level and constantly exploring new realms of theoretical understanding and practical development. Party politics in socialist countries in the 21st century is a strong driver of modernization, constantly shaping and improving the force of socialist countries’ party political practice. The unity of the two in the historical process of sustainable development of socialist institutional civilization will certainly exert an important and profound influence upon mankind’s bright future.