Two Approaches of Vietnamese Marxism-Leninism

Abstract

The coexistence of two different rhetorical modes can be identified clearly from Vietnamese Marxism-Leninism. The first, flexible action-oriented argumentation is based on the structure of political reality. I call it revolutionary pragmatism. The other, formal Marxism, is based on theoretical premises, and it employs an orthodox Marxist-Leninist vocabulary. Although these two approaches seem to be opposite to each other, they are not mutually exclusive. They do not necessarily focus on any given factions in the Communist Party, nor are they identified purely with particular Vietnamese leaders. Rather are they an integral part of Vietnamese Marxism-Leninism and, depending on the situation, one can rise to a dominant position. Although different persons emphasize different sides of the Marxist teachings, they usually stress, on the one hand, the need for rational calculation, depending on the balance of forces in an uncertain political environment; and, on the other hand, they point up the need for organization on theoretical grounds, as justified by the historical task and the necessity of revolution. Marxism-Leninism would call this relationship dialectical; mutual contradictions may be created, but they are also prerequisites of each other.¹