What Is Communism?

A Deeper Dive

What People Mean by “Communism”

Communism is a political and economic system built around equality and common ownership. In simple terms, it says society should not be split into rich and poor classes. Instead, people should work together and share the benefits. The core focus is the working class. This is the group that sells its labor to survive. Under communism, that group would own factories, land, and tools together.

Think of it like a public library, but for the economy. Instead of one person owning the “books” (factories and land), the community runs them for everyone’s use. Supporters say this ends unfair power and greed. Critics say it kills incentives and limits freedom.

Where the Idea Comes From

Marx, Engels, and The Communist Manifesto

The most famous founders are Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. In 1848 they wrote the Communist Manifesto. They argued that history is a struggle between classes. The owners (called capitalists) control wealth. The workers create that wealth but get only a small share. Marx and Engels said this system would lead to crises and should be replaced. By “private property” they meant productive property like factories and mines, not your clothes or your phone. For a quick modern guide, see Leslie Holmes’s Communism: A Very Short Introduction.

How It Works in Theory

Marx outlined a path. First, workers would take power. This stage is often called the dictatorship of the proletariat. The word “dictatorship” here means rule by one class (the working class), not one person. The goal is to break the hold of the old elites. In this phase, the state would control major industries. Over time, as classes fade, the state would “wither away.” The final goal is a classless society with no need for a strong state.

Communism in the 20th Century

Vladimir Lenin led the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917, building the first large communist state: the Soviet Union. The government took over industry and land. Through the 20th century, communist ideologies spread to Eastern Europe, China, Vietnam, and Cuba. These countries ruled by communist parties built their own versions, often with state-owned industry and tight political control. Results varied. Some achieved big gains in literacy and health. Many also faced famines, purges, or chronic shortages.

Communism Today

Some countries still have communist parties in power. China is the largest. It calls its system “socialism with Chinese characteristics” and has allowed markets in many areas while keeping one-party rule. For a modern look at China’s mix of party control and markets, see George Magnus’s Red Flags: Why Xi’s China Is in Jeopardy.

Main Criticisms

Critics say planning is too complex and kills innovation. Without the private property and market signals common in liberal democracies, it is hard to know what people want. Many also point to the record of communist governments. One-party systems often limited free speech, jailed opponents, and abused human rights. Shortages and poor quality goods were common.