Communism vs Fascism: Difference and Comparison

Humans have been social animals since the beginning. Remnants of flourishing civilizations have been found worldwide, and to control such a large number of people, the birth of different political ideologies took place.

Political ideologies have been there since the dawn of civilization. History is a witness that this globe has seen and is seeing a lot of bloodshed over the clash of ideologies. Different thinkers and ideologist gave their ideas, and some of those ideas changed the course of history.

Two such political ideologies are Communism and Fascism.

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

Parameter of Comparison	Communism	Fascism
Definition	It is a political system in which people contribute and receive according to their needs and ability. The “community” owns all the property, and there is an absolute wariness on capitalism.	In this form of the political system, all the state property is owned by one dictator.
Philosophy	It has a simple philosophy; each has to work for the state according to its ability but receives according to its need.	The glorification of the state through incessant intrusions and war, and the only role of a citizen are to glorify the state and its policy.
Political system	Ideally, it is a stateless system and is governed directly by citizens.	There is one dictator who rules over the state and has absolute authority. The dictator picks advisers, and there is no election while doing so.
Economic Policy	The community holds all the means of production, including natural resources and private property.	Self-sufficiency and the increased profit of the state.
Rulership structure	Ideally, there is no leader. The overall production is commonly owned, and no single entity owns it.	One dictator owns the overall production and assets. Capitalism prevails here, so private businesses can thrive if in the state’s interest.
Religion	No religion is practised.	The state only supports religions that are historically practised in that state. Vis-à-vis citizens worship the state and its policy through patriotism and nationalism.
Famous promoters	Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin are some of the most famous communists. Others include Fidel Castro, Ho Chi Minh, etc.	Adolf Hitler and Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera are some of the most famous fascists.

What is Communism?

Communism is a political and economic ideology that believes in a communist society. This means the community holds all the private and public properties, and no individual has complete ownership.

This ideology is strictly against capitalism and believes in “stateless” control; practically, this propaganda is impossible; therefore, a single “communist party” oversees the regular working of a nation.

The topic was first tossed in Europe, but USSR became the first state communist state. It followed the Marxism-Leninism ideology, which is a derivate of communism.       

What is Fascism?

Fascism is a more extreme, far-right ideology that came into the limelight during the 19th and 20th centuries and started losing its grip after Hitler’s loss in World War 2. It believes in forcible suppression of any political competitor and totalitarianism.

 A dictator is the head of state in this ideology and enjoys all the power.  Fascism supports only the historically practised religion in that state and abolishes all other religions.

The greatest example of this statement can be the “Holocaust in Germany”; however, showing support for state policies through nationalism seems apt.

Fascism supports the idea of conflict and war and asserts that it is necessary to rejuvenate the glory of the lost history of the nation by expressing immense power.

Main Differences Between Communism and Fascism

1. The major difference between communism and fascism is that the community owns all the private and public property and national assets, whereas, in fascism, the dictator owns all the state property.
2. Communism works in the philosophy that everyone should work for the community and get according to their needs. In contrast, fascism directs citizens to work for the success and glorification of the state and its policy.
3. The foundation of communism lies in its belief in a stateless and classless system. Contrary, fascism believes in total state control by a dictator who enjoys absolute power. No elections are organized for the selection of advisers.
4. As discussed above, all the natural resources and public property belongs to the community. In contrast, it is the opposite in the case of fascism, where the motive in fascism is to develop self-sufficiency through increased revenues.
5. Ideally, there is no ruler in communism. Still, practically, it is seen that a single political party oversees the subtle affairs of the state. Still, in fascism, the dictator is the ruler and can seek businessmen for increased revenue.
6. Religion is banned in communism, and some thinkers even termed it a “drug”, but in fascism, practising dominant religions, which are historically practised in that state, is allowed.  In fascism supporting the state’s glorification through nationalism is seen as a moral sign.

References

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