To Örebro University

The article charts and discuss the historical use of the concept of imperialism in the Communist International (Comintern; Third International, 1919–43). By analyzing first, the establishment and framework of the Comintern's understanding and use of imperialism as a political and instrumental tool, the aim of the article is to look beyond the official and sanctioned policy of the Comintern on imperialism between the wars. In doing so, the author examines and discuss internal discussions as they evolved over time at Comintern headquarters in Moscow by analyzing documents filed in the Comintern Archive (RGASPI) in Moscow. Key concepts focus on the Leninist perception of imperialism; the periodization debate, and contextual explanations linked to the frequent policy shifts of the Comintern and its relation to Bolshevization and Stalinization. In conclusion, the article highlights the historical trajectory of imperialism and anti-imperialism as a constituent source of Bolshevik policy making in its interpretation of global society.

The chapter focus on the pivotal role of the German communist Willi Münzenberg (1889-1940) in exploring the field of propaganda to connect various campaigns against colonialism, imperialism, fascism, and the war threat during the Weimar republic. Published in the anthology Weimar Communism as Mass Movement (Lawrence & Wishart, 2017), the chapter highlights the need of assessing and understanding Münzenberg's role as a connective source that linked together activism that went beyond party and class in Germany. By focusing on how Münzenberg connected a political relationship between colonialism, fascism and the war threat, the article underscores his central role of agency and control vis-a-vi the Communist International and the German Communist Party (KPD) between the wars. The article is based on archival research in Moscow and Berlin.