Leon Trotsky: Three Aspects

This thesis examines three aspects of Leon Trotsky (1879-1940). Chapter One analyses Trotsky's most famous, and most written about, 'theory of permanent revolution'. Defining theory as explanation, it is argued that one cannot talk of a specific 'theory of permanent revolution'. Trotsky introduced laws of uneven and combined development, and it was these that acted as the explanation of the component parts of 'permanent revolution' - (i) the Russian proletariat could seize power before the Russian bourgeoisie; (ii) that once in command the Russian proletariat would introduce socialist measures; (iii) that world revolution would be necessary for full socialism to be constructed. This does not mean that the notion of 'permanent revolution' has to be abandoned. It can be retained, but as a political programme