The victory of the heroic proletariat of Russia, which rose up to storm the bourgeois-landlord system, against exploitation, social and national oppression, had an impact on the entire world development. One of the main international consequences of the October Revolution was the creation of a center of attraction for liberation forces in other countries. "We are, as it were, in a besieged fortress," V. I. Lenin emphasized in the summer of 1918, " until other detachments of the international socialist revolution come to our aid. But these detachments are... they mature, grow, and grow stronger. " 1 With the victory of the October Revolution, "socialism entered the epoch of its realization." 2 The October Revolution, and then the building of a socialist society in the USSR, were the first and main milestones in the process of forming the world socialist system - the vanguard of the revolutionary forces of our time.

The international significance of October manifested itself in two aspects: in its influence on the revolutionary movement in other countries and in the inevitability of the repetition of certain laws of the socialist revolution. Lenin noted: "All the main and many secondary features of our revolution are of international significance in terms of its impact on all countries." 3 The history of subsequent socialist revolutions has confirmed the correctness of this conclusion. As emphasized in the resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU "On the 60th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution", in the middle of the XX century. "the revolutionary process started by Great October reached a qualitatively new milestone: the world system of socialism was formed. There has been a radical change in the balance of power in the international arena. The power and example of world socialism have multiplied the revolutionary possibilities of the international working class, contributing to the progress of the entire liberation movement. " 4
The international significance of the October Revolution, its role in the development of the struggle for the victory of socialism in other countries, and in the formation of the world socialist system are deeply covered in the works of Soviet scientists.-

1 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 37, p. 64.

2 Ibid., p. 349.

3 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 41, p. 3.

4 "On the 60th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution". Resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU of January 31, 1977, Moscow, 1977, p. 16.

5 "The Great October and the World Revolutionary Process", Moscow, 1967; Yu. A. Krasin. Lenin, revolution, modernity. Problemy leninskoy teorii sotsialisticheskoi revolyutsii [Problems of the Leninist theory of the Socialist Revolution], Moscow, 1967; "Participation of foreign workers in the October Revolution", Moscow, 1967; I. I. Mints. History of the Great October. Vols. 1-3. Moscow, 1967-1973; "International significance of the Great October Socialist Revolution", Moscow, 1968; "Main stages of development of the world revolutionary process after October", Moscow, 1968; Sh. P. Sanakoev. The world system of socialism. Osnovnye problemy I etapy razvitiya [Basic problems and stages of development], Moscow, 1968; "The Great October Socialist Revolution and the World Socialist System", Moscow, 1969;" The World Socialist System - the embodiment of the ideas of Leninism", Moscow, 1970; A. P. Butenko. Socialism as a social system.

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published in the countries of socialism 6 . However, as the socialist states develop and enter the stage of building developed socialism, new aspects of the influence of October and the Soviet experience of socialist transformations are revealed. The study of these new aspects is an important scientific and political task; it is especially relevant in the fight against bourgeois ideology, which tries to belittle the significance of the October Revolution and misrepresent the role of the USSR in the revolutionary transformation of the world. 7

"The Russian proletariat," Lenin noted, "has had the great honor of starting out, but it must not forget that its movement and revolution are only a part of the world revolutionary proletarian movement." 8 Under the influence of the October Revolution, the liberation movement developed all over the world. The ideas of October and the example of socialism actually being built had a powerful impact on the popular struggle in the 1920s and 30s; on the eve and during the Second World War, the united anti-imperialist front was strengthened in the fire of the anti - fascist movement, and the Resistance movement grew, which, along with anti-fascist slogans, put forward demands for social transformation of society. In many countries of Europe and Asia, the communist parties that led the popular struggle developed programs for the post-war structure, taking into account the prospects for building socialism. The anti-fascist and revolutionary movement took on a special scale in a number of countries when the Soviet Army entered there with a liberation mission.

The defeat of fascism and Japanese militarism during World War II, with the USSR playing a decisive role, created the prerequisites for the further development of the peoples ' liberation struggle. The comprehensive political and economic assistance provided by the Soviet Union to the countries liberated from fascism and the experience of the Soviet people's struggle for socialism contributed to the consolidation of the power of the working people in these States.

The establishment of the people's system in a number of European and Asian countries was a natural process, prepared by the long, painful course of internal development of these countries and provided with favorable external conditions. "Revolutions are not made to order," Lenin wrote, "they are not timed to coincide with a particular moment, but mature in the process of historical development and break out at a moment caused by a complex of a number of internal and external causes." 9
M. 1974; M. S. Fiveyskaya. The Great Commonwealth of States and Peoples, Moscow, 1974; K. I. Zarodov. Three Revolutions in Russia and our Time, Moscow, 1975; R. I. Kosolapov. Socialism. To questions of Theory, Moscow, 1975; "Marxist-Leninist doctrine of socialism and modernity," Moscow, 1975;" General laws and diversity of forms of development of the socialist Revolution, "Moscow, 1975;" Socialism and International Relations, " Moscow, 1975; B. N. Ladygin, G. S. Ostroumov. Strengthening of unity, development of cooperation and strengthening of international positions of socialist countries, Moscow, 1976.

6 "Октомврийската революция и българо-съветската дружба". Sophia. 1967; B. Bozhkov. The October Revolution and the World Revolutionary Process. Sophia. 1968; "History of the Hungarian Revolutionary Labor Movement", vol. 2. Moscow, 1973; I. Popescu-Putsuri. The Great October Socialist Revolution and the Labor Movement in Romania, Moscow, 1967; "Lenin a polski ruch robotniczy i wyzwolencze dazenia narodu polskiego". Warszawa. 1970; V. Krai. Lenin, leninismus a sovetske zkusenosti ve vystavbe socialismu u nas. Praha. 1972; E. Kalbe. Antifaschistischer Widerstand und volksdemokratische Revolution in Sudosteuropa. B. 1974; J. Muszynski. Socjalizm w panstwach srodkowej i poludniowo-wschodniej Europy. Warszawa. 1975; "Od Lidove fronty k narodni a dernokraticke revoluci a k socialismu". Praha. 1975.

7 See "The World Socialist system and Anti-Communism", Moscow, 1968; Yu. A. Krasin. Intimidated by the revolution. Critical Essay on Bourgeois concepts of Social Revolution, Moscow, 1975; R. W. Campbell. The Soviet-Type Economies, Performance and Evolution. Boston. 1974; "Yearbook on International Communist Affairs". Stanford. 1975.

8 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 31, p. 341.

9 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 36, p. 531.

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Among the external factors that influenced the course of socialist revolutions, the general state of capitalism as a system and the correlation of forces between socialism and capitalism on the world stage, as well as the possibility of world socialism supporting revolutions in other countries, were of primary importance. This is clearly seen when comparing the international situations that developed during the socialist revolutions in different countries. Thus, the socialist revolutions in a number of countries in Europe and Asia after World War II took place in conditions that were different from the international situation of the October Revolution period, and the revolution in Cuba took place in different conditions than the socialist revolutions in Europe and Asia in the 40s. All this had an impact on the international situation of each country, on the nature of its external relations, and on the individual features of the development of the revolution.

The formation and development of the world system of socialism took place on the basis of the ideological heritage and experience of the Great October Socialist Revolution. In the process of socialist construction, the foundation of friendship and cooperation between fraternal states was laid: the same type of economic base - public ownership of the means of production; the same type of state system - the power of the people led by the working class; a common ideology-Marxism-Leninism; common interests in protecting revolutionary gains and national independence from imperialist encroachments; a common goal - building communism.

The growth of world socialism is an irreversible process. This is evidenced by the facts of recent decades. The victory of the Cuban Revolution led to the formation of the first socialist state in the Western Hemisphere. The Cuban people rightly associate this victory with October. "Without the October Revolution of 1917, Cuba would not have been able to become the first socialist country in Latin America. Castro - We would have remained just as revolutionary, our country would have fought to the end-there is no doubt about that. But even the greatest sacrifices, the most heroic courage, would not be enough to overcome the consequences of the existence of a powerful imperialist power 90 miles from our shores, the consequences of its criminal economic blow, its political blows, its military strikes. " 10 The long-term struggle of the Vietnamese people led to the reunification of the country and the strengthening of the position of socialism. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is now an important factor for peace and progress in Asia. The victory of the revolutionary forces in Laos and the advent of the Marxist-Leninist party to rule this country expanded the family of socialist states.

The global process of transition to socialism continues. Its main focus is the development of the world socialist system. In the socialist countries, the social structure is being improved, and most of them have embarked on the path of building mature socialism. The further improvement of socialist society is of great importance for the growth of its influence on the world revolutionary movement.

*

One of the main directions of the struggle for socialism from the first steps of the October Revolution was the transformation of the economy. In the course of the socialist transformations, as Lenin noted, tasks "that were previously set in the abstract, theoretically" were solved practically. Lenin pointed out :" Based on this experience, the future international-

10 F. Castro Rus. Let the immortal Lenin live forever! Moscow 1970, p. 17.

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the new revolution will build its own socialist edifice. " 11 Lenin's forecast was fully confirmed. Using the experience of the October Revolution, the peoples of the socialist countries created a socialist foundation for their economy and ensured a rapid pace of all-round economic development.

In the two and a half decades after October 1917, the Soviet Union created a powerful socialist industry, a raw material and energy base for the national economy, and cooperative agriculture. "The socialist industrialization and collectivization of agriculture, the cultural revolution, and the just solution of the national question have transformed our Motherland into a mighty socialist power in a historically short time." 12
The peaceful work of the Soviet people was interrupted by the attack of German fascism. The war required subordinating the entire economy of the country to the task of repelling and destroying the aggressor. The Soviet people managed not only to defeat the enemy and preserve the gains of October, but also to restore the economy destroyed by the war. Based on the principles of proletarian internationalism, it also provided substantial assistance to the countries that took the path of socialist construction, which, relying on this support, restored their economies and created the basis for subsequent socialist construction.

Following the example and taking into account the experience of October, deep economic transformations were carried out in the countries liberated from fascism during the socialist revolutions, a socialist sector of the economy was created, and the working peasantry was involved in socialist construction. The experience of the USSR made it easier to build socialism in other countries, accelerated the implementation of socio-economic transformations in them, and promoted the development of comprehensive cooperation between socialist countries. That is why the significance of the October experience is highly appreciated by the fraternal parties. Thus, the first secretary of the Central Committee of the BCP T. Zhivkov emphasizes: "After the victory of the socialist revolution, Bulgaria accepted the Soviet experience and the Soviet example without hesitation and with full confidence. Life has fully justified our trust, confirmed the world-historical significance and universal significance of the basic principles of socialist construction developed by the greatest genius of our century, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, and brilliantly implemented by the CPSU and the Soviet people in the course of building socialism in the USSR. " 13
The last 10 years have occupied a special place in improving the national economy of the Soviet Union and other socialist states. During this time, important results have been achieved in socio-economic development. In the USSR, the economic potential created over the previous 50 years has doubled. About 4 thousand large industrial enterprises were built. Thousands of factories have been reconstructed. Comprehensive programs are being implemented for the development of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia, Western Siberia, and industrial development of Eastern Siberia in the area of the Baikal-Amur Mainline. Now socialism is developing in the USSR on its own basis, allowing us to solve the problems of creating the material and technical base of communism.

The economies of all the countries of the socialist community that are members of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) have achieved great success. Currently, these countries constitute the most economically dynamic region in the world. This can be seen from a comparison of the most important economic indicators of the COMECON countries and the Common Market (UES). During the first half of the 1970s, the national income of the member States

11 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 36, p. 383.

12 "On the 60th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution", p. 6.

13 Pravda, 9. IX. 1969.

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COMECON increased by 36%, and in the EEC countries-by only 12% - In 1976, the growth in both groups of countries was 5.5% and 4%, respectively. The gross industrial output of the COMECON countries increased approximately 1.5 - fold in 1971-1975, and its output per capita exceeds the global figure by more than 3.5-fold .14 The rapid pace of development of the countries of the socialist commonwealth is clearly visible when comparing a number of important indicators over a longer period: for example, electricity production in the COMECON countries increased 11 - fold in 1950 - 1976, and 6-fold in the UES countries; steel production increased 5.5-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively.

Industry, the fuel and energy base, and agricultural production are growing rapidly in the countries of the socialist commonwealth. COMECON countries are home to less than 10% of the world's population, but they account for about 1/3 of the world's industrial output and 1/4 of the world's national income. They produce more than 33% of mechanical engineering products and about 1/3 of chemical products, more than 20% of electricity generated, 17.3% of oil produced, 22.5% of natural gas, 34% of coal, 32% of mineral fertilizers 15 .

Successful economic development ensures further improvement of the living standards of workers. In the countries of socialism, large funds are allocated for the construction of residential buildings, hospitals, polyclinics, sanatoriums, and children's institutions. During the first half of the 1970s, almost 60 million people in COMECON countries, or more than 16% of the total population of these countries, received new apartments. At the same time, the amount of rent here is many times less than in capitalist states. In the U.S.S.R., for example, rent accounts for only one-third of all government expenditures on housing stock maintenance.16 In the countries of socialism, real incomes per capita are growing. In 1976, they increased: in Bulgaria-by 4.4%, in the GDR-by 5%, in Poland-by 3.8%, real wages increased: in Romania-by 8.4%, in the USSR-by 3.7%, in Czechoslovakia-by 3%. During the first half of the 1970s, real incomes per capita grew in Bulgaria by 32.4%, in Hungary-by 26%, in the GDR-by 31%, in the MNR-by 17%, in the USSR-by 24%, in Romania-by 46%, in Czechoslovakia-by 28%. In a number of socialist countries, the minimum wage has recently been increased, with a simultaneous increase in the rates and salaries of middle-paid categories of workers, and pension provision has been improved. In Czechoslovakia, for example, social security expenditures increased by 9.4% in 1976; more than 3.4 million people in the GDR now receive pensions; and social security payments in Hungary increased by more than 15%, including pension benefits by 19%. An important source of growth in the welfare of workers in socialist countries has become public consumption funds, which create opportunities for free education and advanced training, provide free medical care, pensions, scholarships for students, pay for regular vacations, free and preferential vouchers to sanatoriums, rest homes, maintenance of children in preschool institutions, etc.

The rise in the living standards of the peoples of the socialist countries is particularly evident against the background of the crisis phenomena in the capitalist states. In the three major capitalist states - the United States, Germany, and Japan - in 1976, 7.3 million, 1.1 million, and 1 million workers were unemployed, respectively, and inflation continued to run rampant17 .

14 Pravda, 30. III. 1977.

15 N. Ivanov, A. Loshakov. The path of October is the path of equality and brotherhood of peoples. "World Economy and International Relations", 1977, N 6, p. 8.

16 Ibid., p. 12.

17 Pravda, 30. III. 1977.

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As a result of the victory of the October Revolution, a new type of state emerged and established itself - the State of the dictatorship of the proletariat, headed by the Marxist-Leninist party. At the very beginning of the revolution, Lenin set forth the task: "In Russia, we must now set about building a proletarian socialist state." 18 He considered it necessary "to break the old, absurd, wild, vile and vile superstition that it is necessary to govern the state... only the so-called "upper classes" can do this, only the rich or those who have passed the school of the rich classes"19 ; he emphasized the need "to learn practically how to govern the country, to learn what used to be the monopoly of the bourgeoisie"20 .

In the course of the socialist revolutions in other countries, as in Russia after October, the task of building a new, socialist state arose. The experience of all the socialist revolutions confirmed the position of Karl Marx and Fr. Engels, who believed that the construction of a new society is impossible without destroying the exploitative machine of the old system. The international character of October's experience in creating a new type of State was confirmed. Lenin noted that the new system " is the maximum of democracy for the workers and peasants, and at the same time it means a break with bourgeois democracy and the emergence of a new, world-historical type of democracy."21 . The socialist revolutions broke the old bourgeois order and created a truly democratic State system. Each socialist country has its own peculiarities of national and local governance. But the state system is based on the principles of socialist democracy, which provides "maximum democracy" for all working people.

The socialist revolutions in a number of countries in Europe and Asia, as well as in Cuba, once again confirmed the world-historical significance of the victory of the Russian proletariat. In the course of these revolutions, the experience of October was used: the combination of the struggle for democracy with the struggle for socialism; the development of the democratic revolution into a socialist one; the creation and strengthening of the alliance of the working class and the peasantry under the hegemony of the working class; the use of legal and illegal, peaceful and non-peaceful means of struggle. At the same time, new features of the manifestation of the general laws of the socialist revolution were revealed, and the peculiarities and individual features of the development of each country were revealed both during the construction of the foundations of socialism and at the stage of establishing a mature socialist society. Lenin repeatedly emphasized the international significance of the October Revolution; he foresaw the inevitability of repeating its most important features on an international scale, considering that it showed a model of tactics for many countries. At the same time, he also noted the peculiarity of the October Revolution and opposed blind copying of its experience. Thus, in a telegram to Bela Kunu, Lenin warned: "A naked imitation of our Russian tactics in all its details under the peculiar conditions of the Hungarian revolution would be a mistake." 22
One of the most important achievements of October was the creation of a new type of democracy-a socialist democracy that ensures social justice, a full combination of the interests of society, the collective and the individual. In the course of the October Revolution, a genuine democracy of the people was established, or, in Lenin's words, "the real state of the people".-

18 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 35, p. 3.

19 Ibid., p. 198.

20 Ibid., p. 114.

21 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 44, p. 147.

22 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 38, p. 217.

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native self-government " 23 . Socialist democracy guarantees the most important rights and freedoms of workers: freedom from exploitation, guaranteed rights to work, social security, health protection, and free education. Socialist democracy manifests itself in strengthening the nation's statehood, increasing the role and influence of the organs of people's power, and expanding the legislative foundations of socialism.

Some socialist countries have adopted new constitutions or amended existing basic laws in accordance with the results of the development of society. The adoption of the new Constitution of the Soviet Union is of great international importance. In preparing its draft, L. I. Brezhnev said, the experience of the constitutional development of fraternal socialist countries was used .24 In accordance with the new constitutions in the countries of socialism, the activity of state authorities is being intensified and their structure is being improved. The process of further deepening and developing socialist democracy is underway. This is reflected in the activities of representatives of the masses of the people in the organs of State power in all countries of the socialist community. In the Soviet Union, for example, over 67% of Soviet deputies are workers and collective farmers directly employed in production. Among the deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, 498 people, or 32.8%, are workers, 271 people, or 17.9%, are collective farmers .25 In Bulgaria, 25.8% of the deputies of the People's Councils are workers, 23.4% are peasants-members of labor cooperative agricultural farms .26 In Czechoslovakia, 41% of deputies of local authorities - national committees-are workers, and 19% are members of agricultural cooperatives and employed in agriculture .27
"The Soviet Republic," Lenin noted, "unites the working people of all nations and defends the interests of the working people without distinction of nations." 28 This is evidenced, in particular, by the composition of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, where 61 nationalities are represented; in the Supreme Soviets of union and autonomous republics-72 nationalities, in local Soviets-more than 100 nationalities. 29 The national question has also been solved in other socialist countries.

The further development of democracy is closely linked to changes in the social structure of society. As a result of the elimination of the former backwardness of many nationalities, the formation of a new person, the creation of material conditions for developed socialism, the erasure of class differences, the formation of social homogeneity, the development of a single Soviet international culture in the USSR, a fundamentally new historical community of people - the Soviet people-was formed. The basis of this community is a solid alliance of the working class, the collective-farm peasantry, and the people's intelligentsia.

A number of countries of the socialist community have begun to build developed socialism and improve socialist society. The XXV Congress of the CPSU, as well as the congresses of the Communist and workers ' parties of other socialist countries, made a significant contribution to the elaboration of problems for the further improvement of socialist society. Based on the Marxist-Leninist doctrine of the transition from capitalism to communism, a number of important theoretical conclusions are drawn.

23 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 34, p. 316.

24 L. I. Brezhnev. On the draft Constitution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Moscow, 1977, p. 6.

25 Pravda, 18. III. 1977.

26 "Fatherland Front", 16. I. 1974.

27 "Czechoslovak Socialist Republic", Moscow, 1975, p. 102.

28 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 36, p. 536.

29 Pravda, 29. VII. 1977.

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This takes into account Lenin's thesis that socialism is the first stage in the development of a new society. It is the strengthening of socialism that creates the prerequisites for the further development of society on the path to communism. The construction of mature socialism is a relatively long period of social development that is of great international importance. Its implementation is marked in each country by a number of features, but its general regularities in all countries remain the same 30 .

*

The October Revolution laid a solid foundation for cooperation among all the peoples of Russia. At the same time, it has prepared the conditions for the future transition to a system of equal relations between all the peoples of the world. The entry into the path of building socialism of a number of countries in Europe and Asia, and later in Cuba, raised the question of the nature of relations between the socialist states. The solution of this problem was of great practical importance both for their internal development and for the formation of a new type of international relations. The development of these relations is a complex process, due not only to the lack of historical experience in this area, but also to the complexity of the task of combining national and international interests. Lenin warned that a new relationship, an alliance between nations, "cannot be realized at once; it must be worked out with the greatest patience and care, so as not to spoil the matter, so as not to arouse distrust, so as to allow the distrust left by centuries of oppression of landlords and capitalists, private property, and hostility over its divisions and redivisions to get out of hand."31 .

Under the conditions of the cold war unleashed by imperialist circles, the countries that had embarked on the path of socialism were faced with the task of defending their revolutionary gains from the encroachments of the imperialist Powers that sought to restore capitalist order in these countries. This required solidarity, strengthening the unity of the fraternal countries, and joint actions in their defense .32 The Soviet Union played a particularly responsible role in this process. Its military, economic, and diplomatic support helped strengthen the international positions of the socialist countries and prevented the threat of aggression from the imperialist States.

Proletarian internationalism is the basis for the formation and strengthening of a new type of international relations. As noted in the resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU on the 60th anniversary of October, " the victory of October was won under the banner of internationalism, the position of the first socialist state was strengthened, the world system of socialism emerged, and the commonwealth of socialist states is growing stronger and developing."33
Speaking at the seventh Congress of the Polish United Workers ' Party, Leonid Brezhnev said:: "Like any other historical phenomenon, the commonwealth of socialist states is in the process of development. The fraternal countries that are part of it are growing stronger and developing, and their alliance is deepening. The scope of the project is becoming more and more diverse and profound.-

30 See " Theory and Practice of Building Socialism. From the experience of the countries of the Socialist Commonwealth", Moscow, 1975, pp. 153-165.

31 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 40, p. 43.

32 See N. P. Kolikov. Union for Peace and Socialism, Moscow, 1975, pp. 8-16.

33 "On the 60th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution", p. 22.

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Their relations are being strengthened, and their cooperation and interaction in various spheres of domestic and foreign policy are being improved. At the same time, the beneficial influence of our commonwealth on the course of modern history is becoming more active and effective."34
The communist and workers ' parties of the socialist countries are the main force determining a new type of relations between peoples. Enriching themselves with each other's experience, fraternal parties solve the fundamental problems of building socialism and communism. In the course of cooperation, the most rational forms of economic cooperation are determined, a common line on many international issues is determined, and opinions are exchanged on issues of ideology and culture .35 "One of the great advantages of the world system of socialism, our socialist way of life, is that in the course of the development of fraternal countries, the Communist parties carefully study and use each other's positive experience. The experience of the Communists of the Soviet Union, who first paved the way for socialist development, and the practice of other countries... they constitute the collective experience of socialism, our great joint wealth. Its skillful use brings enormous benefits to each of the fraternal countries, sometimes saving them from unnecessary searches for solutions already found by others or preventing them from repeating mistakes or mistakes made by others earlier. " 36
An important area of cooperation between the socialist countries is economic ties between them. Long-term agreements with the Soviet Union greatly contributed to the recovery and development of their economies, which allowed these countries to plan their economy and create firm guarantees for its provision with all the necessary equipment .37 Strong trade ties with the Soviet Union were particularly important in the context of a boycott by the imperialist powers, which annulled previously concluded trade agreements and began to wage an economic war against the countries of socialism .38
The development and strengthening of the national economy created conditions for improving economic cooperation between the socialist countries. An important step on this path was the creation in 1949 of the Council of Mutual Economic Assistance, which included Bulgaria, Hungary, the GDR, Poland, Romania, the USSR, Czechoslovakia, and later Mongolia (1962) and Cuba (1973) .39 Cooperation within the COMECON framework contributed to a significant expansion of economic ties, strengthening the economy of each member country, and expanding their international economic ties.

The successful economic development of the socialist countries in the 50s and 60s created prerequisites for further deepening of their economic cooperation. A new stage in the development of such cooperation was the development and approval of a Comprehensive Program of Socialist Economic Integration, adopted in 1971 at the XXV session of the COMECON. This document defined the main goals, principal directions and most important tasks of further strengthening the economic ties of the countries of the socialist community. The development and approval of the program meant that the COMECON countries entered a new, higher stage of mutual cooperation, the transition to which was prepared by the development of these countries in the previous period and was based on

34 L. I. Brezhnev. Lenin's Course, vol. 5, 1976, pp. 416-417.

35 See F. F. Petrenko. The leading role of Communist and Workers ' Parties in the construction of socialism and Communism, Moscow, 1974, pp. 59-63.

36 L. I. Brezhnev. Lenin's Course, vol. 3, Moscow, 1973, p. 398.

37 See History of Foreign Policy of the USSR, vol. 2, 1945-1975, Moscow, 1976, pp. 184-189.

38 "East - West Economic relations: problems and opportunities", Moscow, 1976, pp. 32-35.

39 N. V. Faddeev. Council Of Mutual Economic Assistance, Moscow, 1974, pp. 17-37.

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Lenin's theoretical propositions on the prospects of cooperation between peoples after the victory of socialism 40 .

Socialist economic integration is an objectively necessary phase of internationalization of the economic life of the COMECON member countries. It reflects a systematic and regulated process of strengthening the interrelationships and complementarity of the national economies of individual socialist countries. It takes into account the real possibilities of rationalizing production on the basis of an international socialist division of labor .41 Now, six years after the adoption of the Comprehensive Program, it is quite obvious that it has become the basis for economic cooperation and the successful development of the national economy of each socialist country and the entire commonwealth. During the years of its implementation, i.e. in 1971-1976, the growth rate of national income in the countries of the socialist commonwealth was more than two times higher than in the developed capitalist countries, and the growth rate of industrial output was almost three times higher. National income in the COMECON member countries, according to preliminary estimates, increased by about 11 %in 1976-197742 .

The international significance of the implementation of the Comprehensive Program lies primarily in the fact that it creates a material basis for strengthening cooperation between the socialist countries .43 Economic integration promotes further cohesion, creates objective and subjective factors for strengthening the common interests and unity of action of socialist countries. The fruitfulness of the implementation of the Comprehensive Program and its importance were highly appreciated at the XXV Congress of the CPSU by L. I. Brezhnev, who said that "we are talking not only about a great mutual economic benefit, but also about a task of great political significance. We are talking about strengthening the material foundation of our commonwealth. " 44
Due to the economic turmoil in the capitalist part of the world and the acute contradictions in the "Common Market", many countries pay great attention to the experience of successful economic cooperation within the COMECON framework. Integration is important not only for strengthening the socialist economy. The economic success of the socialist countries on the basis of socialist integration is also important for strengthening the ideological influence of socialism on social development throughout the world. The international significance of socialist economic integration also lies in the fact that it is a factor in the progressive restructuring of the entire system of world economic relations. It promotes the development of healthy international relations between countries with different social systems. Finally, it provides an example of solving extremely important and complex socio-economic problems in the interests of peoples. The Comprehensive Program, for example, clearly states the task of equalizing the levels of development of individual countries: "the gradual convergence and equalization of the levels of economic development of the countries of the socialist community is an objective historical process in the development of the world socialist system."45
40 See V. I. Lenin's PSS. Vol. 37, p. 346; vol. 41, p. 164.

41 See O. T. Bogomolov. Theory and Methodology of the International Socialist Division of Labor, Moscow, 1967, pp. 39-45.

42 Pravda, 25. VII. 1977.

43 See "Internationalism and Problems of Socialist Economic Integration", Moscow, 1974, pp. 210-217.

44 "Materials of the XXV Congress of the CPSU", Moscow, 1976, p. 9.

45 "Comprehensive program for further deepening and improving cooperation and development of the Socialist economic integration of the COMECON member Countries", Moscow, 1971, p. 12.

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The world is witnessing the elimination of the pre - existing economic inequality of nations and the creation of a developed economy in all socialist States. At present, the levels of countries such as Cuba and Mongolia, for example, are gradually equalizing with those of the more economically developed countries of socialism. By joining the COMECON, both countries have had ample opportunities to use cooperation with other members of the organization to improve the efficiency and modernization of their economy. Measures are being successfully implemented to intensify production in Mongolia and Cuba and to make the fullest and most efficient use of their economic resources. At the XXXI session of the COMECON held in the summer of 1977, it was noted that, based on the proposals of Cuba and Mongolia, measures are being developed to accelerate the development and increase the efficiency of the national economy of both countries .46
"Together with the flourishing of each socialist nation and the strengthening of the sovereignty of socialist states," the XXV Congress of the CPSU emphasized, " their interrelations are becoming closer, more and more elements of commonality are emerging in their politics, economy, and social life, and the levels of development are gradually leveling off. This process of gradual rapprochement between the countries of socialism is now quite definitely manifesting itself as a pattern. " 47 Many of the tasks of the Integrated Program have already been solved or are being successfully solved. In 1976, at the xxxth session of the COMECON, important additions were made to the Comprehensive Program - the development of long-term targeted cooperation programs began. We are talking about the development of leading industries for the next 10 to 15 years. The purpose of these programs is to meet the growing demand for energy, fuel, and basic raw materials, meet the demand for food and consumer goods, raise the level of mechanical engineering, and accelerate the development of transport. Long-term target programs, as well as the program of work approved by the XXXI session of the COMECON to coordinate the national economic plans of the COMECON member countries for 1981 -1985, open up new favorable prospects for the successful solution of important socio-economic tasks of the countries of the socialist community, the growth of their international authority and influence.

The world socialist Community is the most important factor in modern international relations, a new type of international union. As noted in the resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU on the 60th anniversary of October, "the socialist states, united by a common system, commitment to peace, socialism, democracy and national independence, voluntarily develop comprehensive cooperation among themselves based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism and international solidarity, respect for the equal rights and sovereignty of each state, non-interference in internal affairs, comradely mutual assistance " 48 .

The October Revolution made the struggle for peace one of its most important tasks. Even before the victory of the socialist Revolution, Lenin wrote:: "The end of wars, peace between nations, and the cessation of looting and violence are precisely our ideal." 49 The Peace Decree emphasized the special role of the working class in solving the problems of "liberation

46 Pravda, 25. VI. 1977.

47 "Materials of the XXV Congress of the CPSU", p. 6.

48 "On the 60th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution", pp. 16-17.

49 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 26, p. 304.

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humanity from the horrors of war and its consequences " 50 . October convincingly showed that the Country of Soviets is alien to any aggressive aspirations inherent in an exploitative state. The Peace Decree received the approval and support of all detachments of the world revolutionary movement.

Lenin's idea of the inseparability of the concepts of "socialism" and "peace" has been repeatedly confirmed by the development of international relations over the past six decades, the activities of the socialist countries on the world stage, and their struggle to ensure international security. The socialist countries play a crucial role in the profound changes that are taking place on the world stage. Thanks to their effective policies, socialism has strengthened the position of the forces of peace and democracy, and prevented the outbreak of a new world war. The foreign policy course of the socialist countries has led to the fact that the idea of peaceful coexistence is increasingly being established in international relations. The countries of socialism have made great strides in normalizing relations on the European continent .51 The ideas of the Socialist States on pan-European cooperation became the basis of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, adopted in Helsinki in 1975.

The XXV Congress of the CPSU developed a program for further struggle for peace, international cooperation, and for the freedom and independence of peoples. The Congress put forward specific tasks for ensuring peace: ending the arms race and moving towards disarmament; eliminating the remaining hotbeds of war, primarily in the Middle East; deepening the defusing of international tensions; implementing the Final Act of the Pan-European conference; ensuring security in Asia; concluding a world treaty on the non-use of force in international relations; and completely eliminating all remnants of colonialism. elimination of discrimination and any attempts to artificially obstruct international trade. This program was approved by the Communist and workers ' parties, and by all the progressive forces of the world.

One of the main directions of the peace movement is disarmament. The XXV Congress of the CPSU proclaimed the struggle for ending the arms race as the most important task. At the XXXI session of the UN General Assembly in September 1976, the Soviet Union proposed to take emergency measures in connection with the development of new types and systems of weapons of mass destruction by imperialist States. 52 This issue was one of the central issues at the Meeting of the Political Consultative Committee of the Warsaw Pact Member States in Bucharest at the end of 1976. The Declaration of the Meeting noted :" In order to preserve and consolidate what has been achieved, it is necessary to ensure that the defusing of international tension becomes irreversible. We must respect the international commitments already made to strengthen security in Europe, avoid distorting these commitments, constantly move forward to new frontiers of mutual understanding and cooperation, and jointly seek ways to eliminate the sources of possible friction. " 53 A proposal was put forward to all States that participated in the pan-European

50 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 35, p. 16.

51 See "European Security and Cooperation: prerequisites, problems, prospects". Moscow, 1976, pp. 32-62.

52 See " Important initiative of the USSR (On the prohibition of new types and systems of weapons of mass destruction)". "World Economy and International Relations", 1977, N 7, pp. 5-9.

53 " Meeting of the Political Consultative Committee of the Warsaw Pact Member States. Bucharest, November 25-26, 1976". Moscow, 1976, p. 10.

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For example, conclude a treaty on the non-first use of nuclear weapons against each other. The socialist countries have made a number of concrete proposals to ensure international security and reduce the threat of a new war. The implementation of these proposals could significantly strengthen the material basis for the process of defusing international tensions. Speaking in Tula in January 1977, Leonid Brezhnev said:: "As we all know, it was a huge effort to achieve a de-escalation of international tensions. It is also not easy to maintain the accumulated political capital of detente. But no difficulties or obstacles will force us to retreat. To make the world strong and inviolable-there is no task more urgent and vital. " 54
A new constructive initiative, supported by other socialist countries, was taken by the Soviet Union at the XXXII session of the UN General Assembly. The Soviet Government proposed that the General Assembly should discuss the important and urgent question of " Deepening and consolidating the defusing of international tension and preventing the danger of nuclear war." In connection with this issue, the Soviet delegation submitted drafts of two documents - the "Declaration on Deepening and Consolidating the Defusing of International Tension" and the "Resolution on Preventing the Danger of Nuclear War". The Soviet proposals express the desire of the USSR to help strengthen the process of detente, to do everything necessary to contain the arms race and prevent nuclear war, and to ensure international security.

In their international activities, the socialist States pay great attention to supporting the national liberation movement and relations with the liberated countries. The joint anti-imperialist struggle is the objective basis of their close ties. In their policy, the countries of socialism proceed from Lenin's instructions that "the proletariat of the advanced countries can and must help the backward working masses, and that the development of the backward countries can come out of its present stage when the victorious proletariat of the Soviet republics reaches out to these masses and is able to support them." 55 The socialist countries provide constant material and political assistance to the peoples of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In relations with developing countries, the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty, independence, and non-interference in internal affairs are observed. The countries of socialism support the legitimate desire of developing countries to create favorable conditions for overcoming their economic backwardness, establishing a more equitable ratio between the prices of raw materials and industrial products, expanding the transfer of advanced technology to them, and limiting the pressure of international monopolies on developing countries. Support from the socialist states strengthens the international positions of the liberated countries, promotes the development of their economies, and helps them fight imperialism and neo-colonialism.

The growth of world socialism convincingly proves its indissoluble connection with the ideas and experience of the October Revolution. "The 60 years that have passed since the victory of the October Revolution have fully proved that the human rights to freedom, social justice and equality recorded on its banners are guaranteed only by socialism. At Home

54 "Outstanding feat of Tula defenders", Moscow, 1977, p. 27.

55 V. I. Lenin. PSS. Vol. 41, p. 245.

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As in other countries of our commonwealth, socialism has proved its historical superiority over the capitalist system in all areas of political, social and economic life," the resolution of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Ussr on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of October 56 says . The Resolution of the Central Committee of the BCP states: "October 1917 opened a new era in the history of mankind. The world-historic victory of the multinational proletariat of Russia put an end to the omnipotence of capital, opened the way for victorious socialist revolutions, and accelerated the course of the revolutionary liberation struggle throughout the world."57 The plenum of the Central Committee of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Socialist Republic in April 1977 declared: "The six decades that have passed since October have convinced tens of millions of people that socialism represents the future of humanity, that it serves the interests of all working people, provides people with rights and freedoms in the broadest sense, and is a deeply humane society."58
The October Revolution is an inexhaustible source of creativity and an example for countries embarking on the path of socialist transformation. As L. I. Brezhnev noted at the XXV Congress of the CPSU, " socialism already has a huge impact on the thoughts and feelings of hundreds of millions of people on earth... And tomorrow will undoubtedly give new evidence of the limitless possibilities of socialism, its historical superiority over capitalism."59 . In the new international situation, in different domestic conditions, the experience of October, which is of lasting importance for the current and future development of all mankind, will be used again and again.

56 "Trybuna ludu", 18.II.1977.

57 Rabotnichesvo delo, 21. III. 1977.

58 "Nepszabadsag", 15.IV.1977.

59 "Materials of the XXV Congress of the CPSU", p. 10.

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