Organic centralism

Organic centralism is a method of political organisation advocated by party-orientated left communists, in particular the Italian Left. It emphasizes a structure within communist parties that mirrors organic processes, rather than mechanical prescriptions.

Overview

The concept was advanced in The Lyon Theses in the context of the Third International:
This text then argues that factionalism would be positive where it arises in response to the relapse of the party into opportunism, as particularly illustrated by the split between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks. However, Amadeo Bordiga then argued that "bourgeois tendencies" are not manifested in factionalism, but "as a shrewd penetration stoking up unitary demagoguery and operating as a dictatorship from above".
The concept was put forward as against Bolshevisation.
The concept remains utilized by the International [Communist Party].

The socialist Adam Buick has argued that Bordiga's concept of organic separatism creates a technocratic elite which will become de facto controllers – and hence owners – of the totality of the means of production.