Anticommunism

Anticommunism is a political ideology and set of movements that oppose communism, Marxism-Leninism, and related forms of socialist thought rooted in collective ownership and centralized planning. It encompasses a broad spectrum, from liberal-democratic and religious defenders of capitalism to nationalist or anti-socialist factions. While related to anti-socialism, anticommunism is characterized by an explicit opposition to communist principles and the methods associated with communist movements.

Historically, anticommunism rose to prominence in the 20th century and attained global visibility during the Cold War, as governments, parties, churches, and labor organizations resisted Soviet influence and revolutionary movements. In many Western and nonaligned countries, anticommunist rhetoric shaped security policy, foreign affairs, and domestic governance, and was often linked to anti-democratic measures or mass mobilization against perceived subversion. Notable episodes include anti-communist campaigns, investigations, and public messaging aimed at discrediting leftist organizations and ideas.

Strategies associated with anticommunism include electoral competition and alliance-building, political propaganda, media influence, legislative restrictions, and, in some cases, security and intelligence measures targeting leftist groups. In various regions, anticommunist currents supported or coordinated with state security services, censorship, and suppression of dissent to limit perceived communist influence.

Impact and criticisms center on tensions between security and civil liberties. Critics argue that anticommunism has enabled political repression, human rights abuses, free-speech restrictions, and the stigmatization of legitimate left-wing political activity. Proponents contend that anticommunism helped deter authoritarian expansion and protect liberal democratic order. Contemporary usage persists in some parties and movements, though the Cold War context has largely shifted.