General topics

In Defence of Totalitarianism Theory as a Tool of Historical Scholarship

28.04.2008

Following recent attacks on the value of totalitarianism theory as a tool of historical scholarship, this article sets out to clarify its meaning and counter the main objections to its use. After refuting claims that the theory is too freighted with Cold War baggage to serve any academic purpose, the concept of an inefficient totalitarian state is posited. A distinction is then drawn between the genocidal-charismatic totalitarianism of the Third Reich and the bureaucratic totalitarianism of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and other East European Communist countries. Stalinist Russia is presented as a complex hybrid of the two. Both National Socialism and Marxist-Leninism are viewed as political religions. The article argues for a more flexible and pragmatic application of totalitarianism theory so that it can help explain change and collapse, address the alleged welfare achievements of the Soviet satellites and pay proper attention to the symbiotic links between state and society.
Read more…

Back to List