The Philosophies Of The Soviet Union And Vladimir Lenin's Regime

Military leaders can also benefit from studying the philosophies and principles of past adversaries. For example, the Soviet Union emerged in part by adopting an approach to perceived reality using Karl Marx's "scientific socialism." Vladimir Lenin adapted Marxist rhetoric to free the oppressed workers from a brutal Tsarists regime. The approach followed the "categorical imperative to overthrow all conditions in which man is a degraded, enslaved, neglected, contemptible being." Ironically, Lenin modified the principles to justify his brutal regime. Their political principles were contrary to the existing systems, but acquired sufficient support for a mass movement. Today, the U.S. is engaged heavily with Islam in the middle east, a contrary

system that combines moral and political philosophy with doctrine. Studying Islamic philosophy help facilitate our understanding of how Islamic nations and people rationalize reason through problems. Intellectually engaging the current radical, militant, and violent principles of some Islamic nations may reveal contradictions to support our campaign against terrorism. This violent Islamists philosophy may continue to unite current and potential adversaries through understanding of terrorist declarations, writings and manuals. The study of terrorist philosophies and principles can guide focus of the Global War on Terror from the causes to the reasons people attack U.S. citizens and interests.