Novoye Slovo

Novoye Slovo (Новое Слово), meaning "New Word" in Russian, was a Russian literary and philosophical journal published in Saint Petersburg from 1894 to 1897. It played a significant role in the development of Russian Marxism and legal populism (Narodniks), serving as a platform for intellectuals and writers exploring new social and political ideas.

The journal was initially published by the Populist activist Nikolai Minsky. However, its ideological orientation shifted significantly after being taken over by a new editorial board in 1896, which included the prominent Marxist thinkers Peter Struve and Mikhail Tugan-Baranovsky. Under their influence, Novoye Slovo became a leading voice for Marxism in Russia, publishing articles on Marxist economics, philosophy, and social theory.

Novoye Slovo provided a crucial space for debates between Marxists and Populists, contributing to the fragmentation of the Populist movement and the rise of Marxism as a major intellectual and political force. Notable contributors included Vladimir Lenin (who published under pseudonyms), G.V. Plekhanov, and Vera Zasulich, although their direct involvement was often clandestine due to censorship.

The journal was ultimately shut down by the Tsarist government in 1897 due to its radical political content. Despite its short lifespan, Novoye Slovo had a lasting impact on Russian intellectual history and played a key role in shaping the development of Russian Marxism.