Gonzalo Thought

Gonzalo Thought, an ideology developed by Abimael Guzmán (Chairman Gonzalo), is a synthesis of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism tailored to Peru's context. It serves as the theoretical foundation for the Communist Party of Peru—Shining Path and was instrumental in sparking the Peruvian Civil War. Rooted in anti-revisionist principles, Gonzalo Thought emphasizes the use of protracted people's war, including terrorist actions, to overthrow capitalism. Education is a tool for indoctrination, used to propagate its principles among the masses.

The ideology fosters a cult of personality around Guzmán, seen as a messianic leader whose capture led to the Shining Path's decline. It advocates radical anti-capitalism, targeting all capitalist elements and justified extreme actions like destroying property. Class executions are promoted against perceived bourgeois collaborators, reflecting a ruthless approach to eliminating opposition.

Inspired by Mao's Cultural Revolution, Gonzalo Thought calls for a permanent cultural revolution to eradicate remnants of old society, ensuring the permanence of communist rule. This summary encapsulates the ideology's core tenets and its profound impact on Peru's political landscape.