He does not simply call for its “abolition” or the rejection of state power in general.

In addition, Lenin takes on the anarchists’ confusion on the state.

Preaching class collaboration and compromise to the workers only sows confusion and foments illusions in the reformability of a system that cannot be made “kinder and gentler.” Lenin directs his fire at the reformists for their “servile adaptation of the ‘leaders of socialism’ to the interests not only of ‘their’ national bourgeoisie, but of ‘their’ state.” These words retain their full force today, when self-proclaimed “socialists” around the world give “left” cover for the anti-worker actions of “their” bourgeoisie at home and abroad. Written in Lenin’s characteristically clear and incisive style, this book is a cornerstone of revolutionary Marxism. Written in the heat of the Russian Revolution in the late summer of 1917, The State and Revolution provides a foundational summary of the Marxist theory of the state. Understanding that mistakes in theory lead inevitably to mistakes in practice, and that a correct appraisal of the state and the working class’s relation to it was a life-and-death question, he was meticulous in his analysis of this question. Lenin’s great contribution was to elaborate a revolutionary program and strategy for the working class in the epoch of imperialism, while simultaneously developing and implementing the organizational methods of Bolshevism. Written by Lenin in August–September 1917, The State and Revolution provides a definitive presentation of the Marxist theory of the the state. We present here a reading guide to the State and Revolution, which can help comrades digest the key ideas from this classic Marxist text by Vladimir Lenin.

Vladimir lenin state and revolution