p In the preceding chapters we have shown that in the present epoch the revolutionary struggle for socialism is indivisibly linked up and closely intertwines with democratic movements, with the struggle of the peoples against imperialism, for democracy and social progress, for liberation from colonial rule. One of the greatest democratic movements of the day is the struggle against the threat of another world war, for the preservation and consolidation of peace.

p Seeking to destroy socialism, crush the world workingclass and communist movement and smash the national liberation movement, reactionary imperialist circles are preparing to unleash another world war. That makes the struggle for peace, for peaceful coexistence of states with different social systems a struggle against imperialism.

p In this chapter we shall speak of peaceful coexistence and of the struggle for peace, and of the place this struggle occupies in the world revolutionary process.

To get a better understanding of this important question let us briefly dwell on the Marxist-Leninist theory of wars.