Leninism and Maoism - Some Populist Perspectives on Marxism-Leninism in China.pdf

Leninism and Maoism: Some Populist Perspectives on Marxism-Leninism in China Author(s): Maurice Meisner Reviewed work(s): Source: The China Quarterly, No. 45 (Jan. - Mar., 1971), pp. 2-36 Published by: Cambridge University Press on behalf of the School of Oriental and African Studies Stable URL: /stable/651881 . Accessed: 16/07/2012 13:14 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms Conditions of Use, available at . /page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp . JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@. . Cambridge University Press and School of Oriental and African Studies are collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The China Quarterly. Leninism and Maoism: Some Populist Perspectives on Marxism-Leninism in China By MAURICE MEISNER DEUTSCHER ISAAC once observed that the Chinese Communist revolution presentsthe paradoxof the most archaicof nationsavidly absorbing the most modern of revolutionary doctrines, the last word in revolution, and translating it into action. Lacking any native ancestry, Chinese Communism descends straight from Bolshevism. Mao stands on Lenins shoulders. This echoes the generally accepted view of the historical relationship between Maoism and Leninism. Among most western students of Chinese communism it is something of a truism that Marxism came to China in its Leninist form; for different reasons, Maoists have long been saying that Mao (and now only Mao) is the true heir of Lenin. Indeed, the thought of Mao Ts