Joan Barth Urban
Abstract: The states compromising the western Eurocommunist “Triad,” consisting of the Communist parties of France, Italy and Spain (CPF, CPI and CPE, respectively), developed differences both with the Soviet Union Communist Party (CPSU) and among themselves. This article is organized into three sections. Firstly, it shows how the Eurocommunist parties all signaled a desire for socialist pluralism, as opposed to the Soviet single-party system; however, success of implementation in each state varied. Secondly, the CPI and CPF, voiced criticisms of Soviet-style socialism during the recent past, particularly since the 1976 East Berlin Summit. Thirdly, while the parties criticized the Soviet bloc, they rejected an open rupture in favor of a policy of conciliation, for three reasons. One, the parties and the CPSU agree ideologically concerning Third World “liberationism” and the economic structure of a socialist society. Two, the parties share a historical identity with the CPSU, and clench to the ideal of international solidarity. Moreover, current Eurocommunist leaders proclaim themselves disciples of Gramsci and Togliatti. Three, a rupture with the CPSU would cause a schism within the parties, due to residual pro-Sovietism. Overall, for the parties, the preservation of East-West detente takes precedence over rigid adherence to the principle of communist party autonomy.
Key words: Eurocommunism, Communist Parties, Soviet Bloc, Ideological Divergence
