Is it possible to give credence to a dialectical approach to history and not be a communist? I think a Hegelian dialectic works well enough (thesis + antithesis = synthesis which becomes a new thesis) and doesn't mean you assume that the end result of that 'historical process' will be communism. I say the end result is a Constitutional Republic!
I only mean to say that I personally have only heard the dialectical buzzwords in the context of Marxism. If other's use it, it's news to me.
The thesis/antithesis-->synthesis thing works well with describing som things, but not truth itself.
Like most modern philosophers, Hegel never turns the gun on himself. Is Hegel's philosophy part of the historical process? If so, then it can't be ultimately and absolutely true. His theory would have to be historically dependent and contingent.
The Hegelian dialectic is the favored tool of the race-baiters and poverty pimps. You're a Racist! (Thesis), No I'm not! (Antithesis) Prove it then! (Synthesis)