Friedrich Engels on state socialism

Abstract

In the ideological legacy of Friedrich Engels, the critique of ‘state socialism’ has a prominent, if overlooked, place. According to this conception, the essence of socialism is that the existing state intervenes in the capitalist economy and society with reforms to benefit the working class. The first section of this article outlines Engels’ critique of state socialism. It mentions how left geographers have approached his remarks on the trend, specifically in regard to the housing question, nationalisation and liberal democracy. The second part highlights the contemporary significance of Engels’ conception of proletarian emancipation – as contained in his critique of state socialism. Engels’ remarks can help clarify the objective conditions for socialism, conditions that some left geographers continue to ignore. It brings Engels insights to bear upon the Syriza Party in Greece, Corbynism in the UK, Bernie Sanders in the USA and the ‘Pink Tide’ in Latin America.