What is Communism?
Communism is a political and economic ideology based on the common ownership of the means of production and aiming to create a classless and stateless society. Communism, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, is based on a critique of capitalist society. Marx and Engels saw communism as one of the stages of capitalism and argued that a communist society would emerge when the proletariat (working class) rebelled against the capitalist order and seized the means of production.
Pioneers
- Karl Marx: German philosopher who laid the theoretical foundation of communism. He is known for his works “Das Kapital” and “The Communist Manifesto”.
- Friedrich Engels: Marx’s close colleague and supporter. Together they wrote the “Communist Manifesto”.
- Vladimir Lenin: The leader who carried out the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. He tried to apply Marx’s theories in practice.
- Mao Zedong: Founder and first leader of the People’s Republic of China. He adapted the communist ideology to China.
Which countries had communism prevail in the past?
- Soviet Union (1917-1991): The first and most influential communist state. It was founded with the Bolshevik Revolution under the leadership of Lenin and later expanded under the leadership of Stalin.
- China (1949–present): The communist regime was established with the Chinese Revolution led by Mao Zedong. Today, the Chinese Communist Party is still in power.
- East Germany (1949-1990): It is a communist state established under the influence of the Soviet Union after the Second World War.
- Cuba (1959–present): The communist regime was established with the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro.
- Vietnam (1976–present): The country, which was united after the Vietnam War, remained under communist rule.
Communist Countries That Continue to Exist Today
- China: Officially communist, China has also adopted capitalist methods economically.
- Cuba: Still ruled by a communist regime.
- Vietnam: Under the rule of the Communist Party.
- North Korea: It is ruled by a communist system under the Juche ideology.
- Laos: It is a country ruled by the Communist Party.
Comparison with Other Forms of Management
Capitalism
- Private Property: Capitalism advocates private property and a free market economy.
- Competition: Economic competition and profit motive are essential.
- Individual Freedom: Individual freedoms and entrepreneurship are emphasized.
Socialism
- Mixed Economy: Socialism advocates state or collective ownership of the means of production, but also allows for some private ownership.
- Equality: It is aimed to provide more equality in income distribution.
- Social Security: It is a system in which social safety nets are strong.
Democracy
- Representative Administration: Administration is provided through representatives elected by the people.
- Freedoms: Individual rights and freedoms are protected.
- Multi-Party System: The existence and competition of more than one political party is essential.
Advantages
- Equality: It aims to create a classless society, which ensures fairness in the distribution of income.
- Employment Security: Everyone is guaranteed to have a job.
- Social Services: Services such as education and health are usually free and provided by the state.
Disadvantages
- Restriction of Individual Freedoms: The central authority of the state can restrict individual freedoms.
- Economic Inefficiency: Central planning may not ensure the efficiency of market mechanisms.
- Lack of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: In an environment where there is no free market, innovation and entrepreneurship are not encouraged.
Communism has been practiced in different ways in various countries throughout history, with different results each time. Although theoretically it aims for an egalitarian society, in practice it has encountered many problems and led to controversy.
Are the Welfare Level of the Countries Ruled by Communism and the People Happy?
The welfare level of the countries ruled by communism and the happiness of the people vary from country to country and according to the period. Therefore, various factors should be taken into account when making a general assessment of communist regimes.
China
Welfare Level
China began economic reforms in 1978 under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping and adopted the so-called “socialist market economy.” These reforms allowed the private sector to grow and foreign investment to increase. As a result, China’s economy grew rapidly, and millions of people were lifted out of poverty. However, important issues such as income inequality and environmental issues have also emerged.
People’s Happiness
In China, views on the happiness and well-being of the people are mixed. While many people are happy with economic development and improved living standards, there are also problems such as restrictions on individual freedoms, censorship, and human rights violations.
Cuba
Welfare Level
Cuba has achieved significant success in social services such as health and education. Health services are free in the country and the healthcare system is highly effective. Education is also free and the literacy rate is high. However, due to the economic embargo and the inefficiencies of the central planning economy, the overall standard of living in Cuba is low and access to consumer goods is limited.
People’s Happiness
The happiness of the people in Cuba is also complex. While there are many Cubans who are satisfied with health and education services, economic hardship and political pressures can negatively affect the general well-being of the population. However, social factors, such as a sense of community and solidarity, can be a source of happiness for some Cubans.
Viet Nam
Welfare Level
Vietnam began economic reforms in 1986 and opened up to a market economy with a policy called “Doi Moi”. These reforms accelerated economic growth and helped reduce poverty. Vietnam has become a middle-income country in recent years and continues its economic development.
People’s Happiness
In Vietnam, the happiness of the people is increasing with economic development and improved living standards. However, the limited political freedoms and the repressive policies of the government create dissatisfaction in some circles.
North Korea
Welfare Level
North Korea is one of the most closed and isolated countries in the world. The country, which is facing great economic difficulties, often experiences food shortages and poverty problems. The economics of central planning are inefficient and the general standard of living of the people is quite low.
People’s Happiness
It is difficult to assess the happiness of the people in North Korea, because the country is closed to outside information and is controlled by official propaganda. Due to human rights violations and the restriction of individual freedoms, the public in general is considered to be unhappy.
Laos
Welfare Level
As a low-income country, Laos has made progress in economic development and poverty reduction. However, it still faces many economic and social problems. Factors such as lack of infrastructure and low level of education can adversely affect the level of well-being.
People’s Happiness
In Laos, the happiness of the people is limited, despite improvements in economic development and social services. Problems such as limited political freedoms and corruption can reduce the general satisfaction of the people.
Overall Rating
The level of prosperity and the happiness of the people of the countries ruled by communism depend on several factors:
- Economic Development: Economic reforms and market openings have increased the level of prosperity in some communist countries.
- Social Services: Achievements in areas such as health and education can positively affect the quality of life of the people.
- Political Freedoms: Restrictions on individual freedoms and political pressures can negatively affect the happiness of the people.
- Income Inequality: The inefficiencies of the central planning economy can lead to income inequality and economic problems.
As a result, the level of prosperity and the happiness of the people in countries ruled by communism vary depending on the effectiveness of the policies implemented, the success of economic reforms and the state of the political environment.
How Did Karl Marx, the Greatest Known Pioneer of Communism, Continue His Life, Did He Clash with the Government?
Karl Marx is one of the most influential philosophers and social theorists of the 19th century. Marx was born in Trier, Prussia, on May 5, 1818, and died in London on March 14, 1883. He lived and worked in many places throughout his life.
Marx’s life began in his youth with journalism and philosophical studies. However, one of his most important contributions is his work “The Communist Manifesto”, which he co-authored with Friedrich Engels. This work is a document that forms the basis of modern communism.
Marx’s conflict with the government stemmed from the fact that his work and ideology often clashed with the political authorities. Marx developed a theory that criticized the capitalist order of his age and emphasized the importance of the class struggle. Therefore, he came into conflict with the authorities of the time and the capitalist system. He was exiled from Germany and had to live in different countries such as Belgium, France and finally England.
Marx spent most of his life in London, where he continued his political activities. However, he struggled partly with health problems and economic hardship. Before his death, he had become a figure who inspired and influenced many political organizations.
Throughout his life, Marx was in conflict with various governments, and his work was banned in many countries. However, his ideology continued to influence after his death and inspired communist movements and revolutions in many countries.