Communism vs Fascism: Difference and Comparison

Communism advocates for the abolition of private property and aims for a classless society where resources are distributed equally among citizens, through state control. Fascism, on the other hand, upholds authoritarianism, nationalism, and the supremacy of the state over individual freedoms, characterized by dictatorial leadership, suppression of dissent, and extreme militarism, while preserving private property under state control.

Key Takeaways

1. Communism is a political ideology based on the principle of collective ownership and control of the means of production. At the same time, fascism is a far-right ideology that advocates for a totalitarian government and strict social hierarchies.
2. Communism seeks to eliminate class distinctions, while fascism promotes a strict hierarchy of social classes.
3. Communism promotes equality, while fascism promotes nationalism and authoritarianism.

Communism vs Fascism

Communism is a political theory advocating for a classless society in which the community collectively owns and controls all property and resources. Fascism is a right-wing ideology that promotes authoritarianism and nationalism, having a strong central government led by a dictator.

Comparison Table

Feature	Communism	Fascism
Economic System	State-planned economy aiming for classless society and equal distribution of wealth	Private ownership with strong government control and emphasis on national economic self-sufficiency
Social Class	Aims to eliminate social classes and create a classless society	Emphasizes social hierarchy with a strong national identity and loyalty to the state
Government	One-party totalitarian state ruled by a dictator or small elite group	One-party totalitarian state with a strong nationalist or populist leader
Individual Rights	Subordinated to the needs of the state	Subordinated to the needs of the state and the national identity
Religion	Often state atheism, suppression of religion	Can vary, but may be used by the state to promote national identity
Military	Strong military seen as necessary to defend the revolution and spread communist ideals	Strong military seen as a symbol of national power and a tool for expansion
International Relations	Aims for a global communist revolution	Aggressive nationalism, imperialism, and potential for war

What is Communism?

Communism is a socio-economic and political ideology that advocates for the establishment of a classless society where resources and means of production are commonly owned and controlled by the community as a whole, under the administration of a centralized government. It emerged as a response to the inequalities and injustices brought about by capitalism, aiming to create a more equitable and just society.

Core Principles of Communism

1. Abolition of Private Property: Communism seeks to eliminate private ownership of resources, means of production, and wealth. Instead, all property is owned collectively by the community or the state, ensuring that wealth is distributed evenly among citizens.
2. Classless Society: Communism aims to eradicate social classes, such as the bourgeoisie and proletariat, by abolishing the distinctions between them. This is achieved through the equal distribution of resources and the elimination of economic exploitation.
3. Central Planning and Control: In a communist system, economic activities are centrally planned and controlled by the government or a governing body representing the interests of the working class. This ensures that production is directed towards meeting the needs of the society rather than for profit.
4. Common Welfare: Communism prioritizes the collective welfare of society over individual interests. Basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and education are guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
5. Internationalism: Communism advocates for international solidarity among the working class and the eventual abolition of national boundaries. It envisions a global communist society free from imperialism, exploitation, and wars.
6. Transition to Communism: According to Marxist theory, communism is the final stage of societal development following socialism. This transition involves the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat, where the working class holds political power, leading eventually to the withering away of the state and the emergence of a fully communist society.

What is Fascism?

Fascism is a far-right socio-political ideology characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and totalitarianism. It emerged in Europe during the early 20th century as a response to the social, economic, and political upheavals following World War I. Fascism glorifies the nation or race above the individual, advocating for a strong centralized government led by a dictator and characterized by the suppression of dissent, militarism, and the promotion of ultra-nationalism.

Core Principles of Fascism

1. Authoritarian Leadership: Fascism emphasizes the authority of a single leader or dictator who holds absolute power over the state and its citizens. This leader is portrayed as embodying the will of the nation or the “volk” and is granted significant control over government institutions, media, and the military.
2. Nationalism: Fascism promotes an extreme form of nationalism, exalting the nation or race above all else. It emphasizes the superiority of the nation and seeks to unite its people under a common identity, characterized by symbols, rituals, and propaganda glorifying the nation’s history, culture, and achievements.
3. Totalitarianism: Fascist regimes seek total control over all aspects of society, including political, economic, social, and cultural spheres. Dissent and opposition are suppressed through censorship, propaganda, surveillance, and the use of force, with the aim of ensuring absolute loyalty to the state and its ideology.
4. Militarism: Fascism glorifies war and militaristic values, viewing conflict as a natural and necessary means of asserting national dominance and achieving territorial expansion. Military strength and conquest are central to fascist ideology, with the military playing a prominent role in shaping domestic and foreign policies.
5. Anti-Democratic: Fascism rejects liberal democratic values and institutions, viewing them as weak and ineffective. Instead, it advocates for the abolition of democracy in favor of a one-party state or authoritarian regime, where individual rights and freedoms are subordinate to the interests of the state and its leader.
6. Social Hierarchy: Fascism promotes a hierarchical social order based on notions of race, ethnicity, or class, with certain groups deemed superior and others inferior. Discrimination, persecution, and violence against marginalized or minority groups are common, as fascist ideology seeks to purify and strengthen the national or racial community.

Main Differences Between Communism and Fascism

• Economic Ideology:
  • Communism advocates for the abolition of private property and collective ownership of resources and means of production.
  • Fascism allows for private property ownership but under strict state control, preserving a form of capitalism.
• Social Organization:
  • Communism aims for a classless society where resources are distributed equally among citizens, prioritizing the collective welfare.
  • Fascism promotes a hierarchical social order based on notions of nationality, race, or ethnicity, leading to discrimination and persecution of minority groups.
• Role of Government:
  • Communism advocates for a centralized government that controls economic activities, social policies, and resource distribution.
  • Fascism supports an authoritarian government led by a single leader, who holds absolute power over all aspects of society, including political, economic, and cultural spheres.
• Approach to Individual Rights:
  • Communism prioritizes collective rights over individual rights, aiming to ensure equality and social justice for all citizens.
  • Fascism suppresses individual rights and freedoms in favor of state interests, through censorship, surveillance, and persecution of dissent.
• Internationalism vs Nationalism:
  • Communism advocates for international solidarity among the working class and envisions a world without national boundaries.
  • Fascism promotes ultra-nationalism, glorifying the nation or race above all else and advocating for expansionism and militarism.

References

1. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1940-05625-001

Last Updated : 02 March, 2024