p In international relations, too, regardless of the will and desire of its leaders and compelled by deep-rooted objective reasons, the bourgeoisie has had to give ideological battle to the rising class—the proletariat and the world socialist system created by it. We are referring to the changes linked in one way or another with the deepening crisis of the bourgeois social system and with the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the imperialist powers to pursue their policies without taking the public mind and mood into account.

p The general crisis of the capitalist system is also expressed by the deepening crisis of bourgeois ideology, a crisis that is seriously undermining imperialism’s position in this area of struggle as well.

p "The new historical epoch,” it is stated in the Programme of the CPSU, "has brought the revolutionary world outlook of the proletariat a genuine triumph. Marxism-Leninism has gripped the minds of progressive mankind.

p "Bourgeois doctrines and schools have failed in the test of history. They have been and still are unable to furnish scientific answers to the questions posed by life. The bourgeoisie is no longer in a position to put forward ideas that will induce the masses to follow it. More and more people in the capitalist countries are renouncing the bourgeois world outlook. Bourgeois ideology is experiencing a grave crisis."  [105•* 

p The fact that bourgeois ideology is in the throes of a crisis does not mean Marx’s postulate about the ideology of 106 the ruling class being the prevailing ideology in society has become obsolete. The doctrines of the monopoly bourgeoisie continue to predominate in capitalist society. But their influence on the masses is weakening, with the result that to maintain its spiritual supremacy the ruling bourgeoisie has to expend increasing effort and resources.

The crisis of bourgeois ideology has deep internal mainsprings linked with the altered position of the capitalist class on the stage of history, with its conversion into a reactionary class and the principal force holding up social progress. Under these conditions the interests and aspirations of the majority of the population are coming into conflict with the doctrines and views predominant in capitalist society.