Communist Country Myth: No true communist country has existed in the modern world; those claiming to be communist (e.g., China, North Korea) have not met the full definition.
Shared Ideals: Both communism and socialism aim to reduce worker exploitation and minimize economic class distinctions.
Ideological Background
Marxism:
Originated from Karl Marx's critique of capitalism and its inherent inequality.
Focuses on the exploitation of workers (proletariat) by owners (bourgeoisie).
Communism vs. Socialism:
Socialism: Viewed as a transition from capitalism, where the state controls production democratically.
Communism: The ultimate goal is a classless, stateless society with collective ownership of all societal aspects.
Variations of Marxism
Different versions have emerged:
Stalinism
Leninism
Trotskyism
Maoism
Practical Implementation
Socialism as a Precursor:
Envisions state-controlled means of production.
Examples include social services funded by taxes like healthcare and education.
Challenges:
Corruption and power abuse in socialist countries hinder the transition to true communism.
Real-world examples: former USSR, Venezuela, Vietnam, North Korea.
Successful Examples
Social Democracies: Countries like Sweden and Canada blend socialist ideals with capitalism.
Conclusion
The human challenges of power and corruption have prevented the realization of a true communist state. Socialist ideals, however, find success in mixed economies.