Preface to the First Edition
The question of the state is now acquiring particular importance both in theory and in practical politics. The
imperialist war has immensely accelerated and intensified the process of transformation of monopoly
capitalism into state­monopoly capitalism. The monstrous oppression of the working people by the state,
which is merging more and more with the all­powerful capitalist associations, is becoming increasingly
monstrous. The advanced countries ­ we mean their hinterland ­ are becoming military convict prisons for
the workers.
The unprecedented horrors and miseries of the protracted war are making the peoples position unbearable
and increasing their anger. The world proletarian revolution is clearly maturing. The question of its relation
to the state is acquiring practical importance. State, Revolution.