Are Military Metaphors Still Relevant for Marxism?

The use of military metaphors has been a consistent feature of Marxist discussions of revolutionary strategy and organization. At the same time, though, the use of these metaphors has been subjected to considerable criticism from the Left for imposing authoritarian definitions of strategy and organization that have undermined the revolutionary project. While such criticisms raise important points that Marxists must take into account, nonetheless they are based on a flawed understanding of these metaphors. The use of military metaphors remains an essential resource for the development of strategy and organization for contemporary revolutionary movements.