Nine decades have elapsed since the success of the Great Russian October Revolution. The dream of the oppressed people in the world to build a society of equality and justice, mastered by the working people has been realised. The October Revolution will be forever seen as the one which liberated mankind and society. It brought about a new world development trend, strengthened the nations’ role in international life and accelerated international relations between nations.

While the October Revolution is praised in Russia and many other locations in the world, there remain quite a few hostile arguments. Now as the world is changing it may confuse many people who lack understanding.

Marking the 90^th anniversary of the October Revolution, we must clarify its historic significance and the light brought by that Revolution.

1. The October Revolution was an important breakthrough which created a strong impulse to change the world.

Prior to the Revolution, the world belonged to capitalism in Europe which, after defeating feudalism spread all over the world with more economic, political and military strength than ever seen before. The successful October Revolution partly smashed the capitalist system, established socialist countries and a strong international communist and workers’ movements. The entire colonial system collapsed and many countries were liberated.

The October Revolution created a chance for the development of all nations and a new counterweight for world balance. The establishment of the Soviet Union and many other socialist countries encouraged other nations. Socialism erased oppression and injustice.

The October Revolution even forced capitalist countries to make necessary changes to exist and develop until now. Modern capitalism has adjusted and adapted itself to the new situation where realistic socialism is present. There are different arguments about whether the whole world is in the transitional period to socialism or not. Certainly, nowadays socialism remains an important factor which decides the development trend of the era.

2. The Soviet regime and realistic socialism which is the fruit of the October Revolution have made great contributions to the development of human society.

With the October Revolution, socialism, a new social institution was established. In the socialist society, power belongs to the working people.

The existence in more than 70 years of the Soviet regime and realistic socialism in the Soviet Union and eastern European countries left mankind with deep impressions.

First, socialism can solve acute and pending issues that capitalism and previous societies could not. This can be seen in the following points:

About social insurance: In a socialist society, the people are fully respected and insured. No other countries could compare with the former Soviet Union in terms of social insurance although the country was still poor. In the former Soviet Union, theft, prostitution and beggery did not exist. The State subsidied all costs in convalence houses, schools and hospitals. This was not seen in Western countries.

Social fairness ensures social stability and erases exploitation, oppression and injustice.

Second, socialism has become a new reality which has never existed in human history. There was a time when socialism existed as a strong system which could decide the world destiny. It challenged and forced capitalism to adjust itself and set a bright example for other countries which had liberated themselves from colonialism and imperialism.

Third, socialism has found resources to develop and meet the needs of mankind. There, the people can live in liberty, equality and justice.

Fourth, socialism gained a rapid development growth to serve all people.

Fifth, socialism makes an important contribution to the development of human civilisation, discourages war mongers and encourages the fighting spirit of smaller and weaker nations.

Six, realistic socialism in the former Soviet Union successfully solved major problems of human society such as ethnicity and religions. It united all ethnic groups, social classes and religious sects in realising a common ideal, namely to build a fair society for all people.

Seven, socialism made humanitarian and peace common issues to be realised by the whole world. It set a good example in impartially helping weaker countries for the common interest, which is human liberation.

3. A major lesson from the successful October Revolution and the collapse of realistic socialism in some countries showed the fact that the socialist revolution must always be creative.

First, the building of a new society which is socialism must be based on consistent principles and orientations. We know that realistic socialism in the former Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries were not the direct outcome of the denial of capitalism. The material pre-requisite to build socialism in these countries was not sufficient. In order to successfully build a mode of production which is higher than that of capitalism, self-consciousness and creativity are required. But the socialist builders in these countries were not creative or they were “creative” while undermining principles. In the final stage, they even damaged all principles of Marxism-Leninism. These are some causes leading to the collapse of realistic socialism.

Second, renewal and creativity should be done regularly. Theory and practice show that socialism is realistic and can be built, defended and developed. The collapse of realistic socialism is not in itself. If we can find appropriate methods and steps, certainly we can overcome the weaknesses in socialism to develop it. Reality in China and Vietnam shows that it is very difficult to build socialism. It requires us to make careful calculations and always renew ourselves. The reform in China over the last decades has made this country prosperous which plays a major role in the world life.

Achievements that Vietnam obtained over the last 30 years of the renewal process show that the road to socialism in Vietnam is justified and will bring happiness and prosperity to the entire Vietnamese people. We strongly believe in the stability and development of our social regime.

Third, while defending, consolidating and developing socialism we must be aware that socialism co-exists with capitalism and currently capitalism seems to be more advantaged in the globalisation process. So, we must identify opportunies and challenges and sabotage activities of hostile extremists to have timely and logical counter-measures. While realising the policy of diversification and multilateralisation of international relations, we must heighten vigilance to maintain our principles, not to be distorted or dissolved. Socialism in different countries will be manifested in different forms depending on the characteristics of the country and nation.

These analyses show that human history has developed according to its law. The October Revolution was an indispensable period in history which opened up a new era for social development. That great Revolution will forever be an unforgettable song in the heart of humankind. The light of the October Revolution will forever lighten the road to social progress.