Meaning: The quote by Ernest Mandel highlights the idea that revolutionary vanguard militants can operate as separate organizations while also participating in the mass organizations of the working class. This concept is rooted in the Marxist tradition and has been a subject of debate and interpretation within left-wing political movements.

Ernest Mandel was a Belgian Marxist economist and political theorist who made significant contributions to Marxist economic theory and was a prominent figure in the international socialist movement. His work often focused on the relationship between revolutionary organizations and the broader working class movement.

The concept of the revolutionary vanguard has its roots in the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who saw the need for a dedicated, organized group of revolutionaries to lead the working class in its struggle against capitalism. The vanguard was seen as a group of politically conscious and committed individuals who would work to raise class consciousness, organize the working class, and lead the revolutionary struggle.

Mandel's quote emphasizes that the existence of separate revolutionary organizations does not contradict the need for these organizations to engage with and participate in the mass organizations of the working class. This reflects the idea that while the vanguard may have its own specific organizational goals and strategies, it must also be deeply connected to the broader working class movement.

The relationship between revolutionary vanguards and mass organizations has been a subject of debate and contention within leftist political movements. Some have argued that the vanguard should maintain a distinct and separate identity, focusing on developing revolutionary theory and strategies, while others have emphasized the importance of the vanguard being deeply embedded within the working class and its organizations.

Mandel's perspective suggests a nuanced approach that recognizes the importance of both the vanguard's independent role and its engagement with the mass organizations of the working class. This approach reflects a commitment to building a strong and united working class movement, with the vanguard playing a strategic and supportive role within it.

In practice, this perspective may manifest in various ways. For example, the vanguard may work to provide political education and leadership within mass organizations, while also maintaining its own distinct organizational structures and activities. It may seek to build alliances and solidarity with broader working class struggles, while also advocating for revolutionary goals and strategies.

Mandel's emphasis on the non-contradictory nature of the relationship between the vanguard and mass organizations speaks to the complex and multifaceted nature of revolutionary organizing. It recognizes the need for both independent revolutionary leadership and deep integration within the broader working class movement.

Overall, Mandel's quote reflects a commitment to building a strong and effective revolutionary movement that is deeply connected to the struggles and aspirations of the working class. It underscores the importance of finding a balance between independent revolutionary organization and active participation in the mass organizations of the working class, highlighting the complementary and mutually reinforcing nature of these two aspects of revolutionary struggle.