Marxist-Leninism is a political ideology that combines the ideas of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. It advocates for the establishment of a socialist state through the leadership of a vanguard party, which represents the working class. This ideology emphasizes the need for a revolutionary overthrow of capitalism to achieve a classless society. The core principles of Marxist-Leninism include the belief in historical materialism, the dictatorship of the proletariat, and the eventual establishment of communism. It has been the guiding philosophy for several states, most notably the former Soviet Union and China under Mao Zedong.