I have some probably dumb questions to ask about marxism and wasn't sure where to go. Is there like a ask marxists or debate marxists forum? Anyway
What and how many branches of marxism want state socialism during the socialist transition period before Communism? I was under the impression that all (or most) leninists wanted state socialism during this period. I have since been told that Trotskyists don't want this. Is this correct if so what do they want instead? How does this all relate to vanguardism?
Furthermore how does marxism define a state? Is this different from how other groups define statehood?
I still don't fully grasp the difference between marxists and anarchists. I thought the difference was mainly that anarchists don't want a state, and encourage mutual aid. Now that I hear not all marxists want a state I am pretty confused.
A debate is for the opposed display of ideas with the idea that you will choose one or the other mutually exclusive paths, a discussion is a project that aims towards concession and collaboration of similar pathways. You can have a good discussion that leads to a debate, but a good debate doesn't end in discussion, but decision.
Edit: Also I want to make clear that I am talking about these concepts as methods to investigate truth, not as spectacle or entertainment. There are plenty of 'good' 'debates-as-spectacle' that end in truth-value pointless but entertaining discussion.