the international character of revolution may be presented in such a manner as to contradict the revolutionary point of view. For example, in the work of Lieber, which we have already mentioned, there is a subtle passage in which the author tries to explain the difference between proletarian revolution and bourgeois revolution. Enumerating the special features of proletarian revolution, Lieber writes:
"Finally, there is another characteristic feature of Socialist revolution, that is its international character. [Just fancy, 'international character'!—N.B.].
"The Socialist system takes the place of capitalism. The distinguishing feature of the capitalist system is that it creates world economy. … Therefore it is impossible to conceive the introduction of Socialism in a single section of this economy without the whole world economy becoming affected. Socialist revolution is conceivable only as world revolution and consequently it pre-supposes a certain state not only in one, two, three, four or five countries, but in the majority of the industrially developed countries; otherwise an inevitable conflict would arise between the countries which are not yet prepared for Socialism and those which are fully ripe for it."
The kind of internationalism here expressed and on what it is based are perfectly clear. This position may be expressed as follows: "Don't make revolution, don't build Socialism, because you will come into conflict with other countries." International revolution is here presented as a single act, as if the proletariat of all countries would come simultaneously into the historical arena and shout:
