Communism

Hammer and Sickle and Star

Hans Holbein, the Younger - Sir Thomas More - Google Art Project

Communist Block

Communist flag at night at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, year 2024

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Communist Party of Vietnam Poster in Hanoi

Communism is a political philosophy and economic system that seeks to establish a classless society in which the means of production are owned and controlled communally, rather than by individuals or corporations. The origins of communism can be traced back to various historical movements and intellectual developments, but it is most closely associated with the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who outlined their vision of communism in the Communist Manifesto published in 1848.

History

The history of communism is complex, involving numerous movements, revolutions, and intellectual debates. After the publication of the Communist Manifesto, the ideology began to take shape as a political movement. The first significant attempt to implement communist ideas was the Paris Commune of 1871, though it was short-lived. The most pivotal moment in the history of communism was the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, the world's first communist state.

Following the Russian Revolution, communism became a global movement, with various countries adopting communist governments in the 20th century, including China, Cuba, Vietnam, and several Eastern European nations. Each of these countries adapted the basic principles of communism to their own unique circumstances, leading to significant differences in implementation.

Theory

At the heart of communist theory is the belief in the abolition of private property and the establishment of a society in which all property is owned by the community as a whole. Marx and Engels argued that capitalism, the economic system that dominates most of the world, is inherently exploitative and leads to class conflict. They believed that capitalism would inevitably lead to its own demise and be replaced by socialism, a transitional stage on the way to full communism.

In a fully realized communist society, there would be no need for money, the state, or social classes, as the production and distribution of goods would be based on the principle of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs." This vision of a classless, stateless society distinguishes communism from socialism, which generally advocates for the means of production to be owned or regulated by the community or state but does not necessarily aim for the complete abolition of the state or classes.

Criticism and Decline

Communism has been subject to significant criticism, particularly regarding its implementation in the 20th century. Critics argue that communist states have often resulted in oppressive regimes that limit personal freedoms and human rights. The economic efficiency and feasibility of a completely state-controlled economy have also been questioned.

The late 20th century saw a significant decline in communist states, most notably with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Today, while a few countries still maintain governments that identify as communist, the global influence of communism has waned.

Legacy

Despite its controversies and the decline of communist states, the ideology of communism has left a lasting impact on global politics, economics, and society. The critique of capitalism and advocacy for the working class found in communist theory continue to influence various social and political movements around the world.