Marxism and Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence and Self-Determination

Abstract This article traces the historic development of socialist thought on the importance of upholding independence and self-determination for oppressed nations. The examination starts with Marx on independence for Ireland and Lenin’s political and theoretical principals on nations oppressed by the Tsarist dictatorship. It proceeds to Ho Chi Minh’s address to the Comintern, Chou En Lai at the Bandung Conference, and Mao’s writings on contradictions. This article then applies these principals to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, debates in the Left, and the need to support Ukraine.