Economic Problems of Socialism in the U.S.S.R.

Written shortly before his death, this work is regarded as Soviet leader Joseph Stalin’s political testament. Far more than just a dry theoretical economic discussion, this book provides a fascinating and unique insight into the economic, social and political thinking of the man who led the Communist juggernaut from 1924 to 1953. Directed to internal Communist Party comrades in response to discussions on the economy of the Soviet Union, this work details Stalin’s interpretation of the basic economic laws of modern capitalism and socialism, the character of economic laws under Soviet style socialism, commodity production, the “law of value” and the “elimination of the antithesis and distinctions between town and country and mental and physical labour.” Finally, Stalin presents what he predicted would be the “deepening crisis of the world capitalist system” and the “inevitability of wars between capitalist countries.” While much of Stalin’s predictions were wholly incorrect, parts of his critique of capitalism proved valid and were borne out by developments long after his time. A fascinating historical document, first published in Red China in 1972.