Genuine question
Edit: change the title from “Why can Socialist Market Economy be categorized as socialism, and why is NEP categorized as state capitalism?” to “Why can Socialist Market Economy be categorized as socialism meanwhile NEP is categorized as state capitalism?”
I didn’t know Lenin was left communist?
Correct me if i am wrong but im pretty sure Lenin originally said that in defense of the USSR and it policies in the face of criticism by left communist, he didnt originate the term nor the criticisms associated with it.
My point is state capitalism is not necessarily useless term exclusive to left {anti-communists} like you indicate it is. It’s also a matter of life description.
That being said, fine, market socialist