A.I. Lenin What is to be Done Today, by GPT and Dmytri Kleiner
In the early 20th century, Lenin recognized the importance of an all-Russian newspaper as a means of building the capacities and capabilities necessary for a revolutionary movement to overthrow capitalism. Similarly, a digital agency can help build the capacities and capabilities necessary for a revolutionary movement to overthrow capitalism in the modern world. As Lenin wrote in "What Is To Be Done?": "Without a newspaper, it is impossible to unite, to direct, to arouse, and to organize the masses" (Lenin, 1902, p. 28). For Lenin, it was not the newspaper as such that was important, but the organization capable of publishing it. In this sense, a digital agency is not an end in itself, but a means of building the abilities necessary for a revolutionary movement to coordinate and communicate with supporters, as well as carry out propaganda and agitation efforts.
One key capacity that a digital agency can help build is the ability to disseminate information and propaganda effectively. Social media platforms and other modern technologies have become major channels for the distribution of information and ideas, and a digital agency can help a revolutionary movement leverage these channels to reach a wide audience and spread its message. In the past, Leninist organizations used underground newspapers and smuggled literature to disseminate their message, often at great risk to their own safety. Today, a digital agency can help a revolutionary movement use modern technologies to reach a wider audience and spread its message more effectively. As Lenin wrote in "The Tasks of the Russian Social Democrats": "The spread of revolutionary ideas among the masses depends above all on the degree of their own organization" (Lenin, 1898, p. 42). And as he wrote in "Left-Wing Communism: An Infantile Disorder": "The party must have its own press, its own organization, and its own set of tactics" (Lenin, 1920, p. 22).
Another key capacity that a digital agency can help build is the ability to mobilize and organize supporters. In the past, Leninist organizations relied on secret meetings and underground networks, known as konspiratsiya, to coordinate their activities. Today, social media and other modern technologies can provide similar capabilities, allowing a revolutionary movement to quickly and effectively organize and mobilize supporters. For example, a Leninist organization might use a closed social media group or a secure messaging app to organize meetings, distribute propaganda, and coordinate actions. As Lenin wrote in "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back": "Only konspiratsiya can ensure the freedom and independence of the Party" (Lenin, 1904, p. 80).
Konspiratsiya refers to the practice of maintaining secrecy and keeping activities hidden from the authorities in order to avoid detection and repression. In the past, Leninist organizations used a variety of tactics to maintain secrecy and avoid detection, such as using code words and symbols, holding meetings in secret locations, and using fake names. In the context of a digital agency, this might involve using aliases and pseudonyms, as well as secure communication methods and infrastructure, to protect against surveillance and to maintain secrecy. As Lenin wrote in "Left-Wing Communism: An Infantile Disorder": "The party must have its own press, its own organization, and its own set of tactics" (Lenin, 1920, p. 22).
A digital agency can also help build the capacity for a revolutionary movement to engage in digital activism and direct action. This might involve creating and distributing memes and other digital content that can go viral and spread the movement's message, or using hacking and other digital tactics to disrupt the operations of capitalist institutions. In the past, Leninist organizations used a variety of tactics to engage in direct action, such as strikes, boycotts, and sabotage, as well as organizing demonstrations and protests. In the context of a digital agency, these tactics might be adapted for the digital realm, such as organizing online boycotts or launching cyber attacks against capitalist institutions.
Another key capacity that a digital agency can help build is the ability to defend against digital threats and attacks. This might involve developing and implementing security measures to protect against cyber threats, such as hackers and malware, as well as implementing measures to protect against surveillance and monitoring by the authorities. In the past, Leninist organizations often faced repression and persecution from the state, and they had to develop tactics and strategies to defend against these threats. In the context of a digital agency, this might involve using encryption and other secure communication methods, as well as developing contingency plans and backup systems to ensure the continued operation of the agency in the face of digital threats.
A digital agency can also help build the capacity for a revolutionary movement to work with other progressive forces, including those that are not necessarily communist. In the past, Leninist organizations often had to work with liberals and intellectuals who were not necessarily communist in order to achieve common goals and build broader movements. In the context of a digital agency, this might involve working with other progressive groups and organizations to build coalitions and campaigns that can amplify the impact of a revolutionary movement. Lenin argued that it was important for communist parties to work with other progressive forces, as he wrote in "A Talk with Defenders of Economism": "We are in favor of the working-class movement being as broad as possible, and we stand for the broadest possible unity of the workers" (Lenin, 1899, p. 33).
A digital agency can also help build the capacity for a revolutionary movement to engage in propaganda and agitation efforts. In the past, Leninist organizations used a variety of tactics to carry out propaganda and agitation efforts, such as distributing literature and flyers, organizing public meetings and lectures, and creating and distributing posters and other visual materials. In the context of a digital agency, these tactics might be adapted for the digital realm, such as creating and distributing digital content and materials, as well as using social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience and spread the movement's message. Lenin argued that it was important for communist parties to engage in propaganda and agitation efforts, as he wrote in "What Is To Be Done?": "Without propaganda, no movement; without agitation, no struggle" (Lenin, 1902, p. 43).
Finally, a digital agency can help build the capacity for a revolutionary movement to run for elections and participate in the political process. In the past, Leninist organizations often ran candidates for office and participated in elections, even in the face of persecution and repression from the authorities. In the context of a digital agency, this might involve supporting candidates and campaigns, as well as using social media and other platforms to reach voters and engage in political organizing. Lenin argued that it was important for communist parties to participate in elections and to use them as a platform to propagate their ideas, as he wrote in "Left-Wing Communism: An Infantile Disorder": "Parliamentary activity is an important form of the class struggle" (Lenin, 1920, p. 35).
A digital agency can help build the capacities and capabilities necessary for a revolutionary movement to coordinate, communicate, and organize in the struggle against capitalism. By leveraging modern technologies and building on the lessons of Lenin and other revolutionary leaders, a digital agency can play a vital role in building a successful struggle against capitalism.
-- Dmytri Kleiner @dmytri # distributed via <nettime>: no commercial use without permission # <nettime> is a moderated mailing list for net criticism, # collaborative text filtering and cultural politics of the nets # more info: http://mx.kein.org/mailman/listinfo/nettime-l # archive: http://www.nettime.org contact: nett...@kein.org # @nettime_bot tweets mail w/ sender unless #ANON is in Subject:
