kommunizmin

Communism is a political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society in which the means of production are owned communally, and private property is nonexistent. The ultimate goal of communism is to achieve a stateless and moneyless society where resources are distributed according to need.

Historically, the concept of communism can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophers, but it gained significant traction in the 19th century with the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Their theories, particularly as outlined in "The Communist Manifesto," posited that capitalism inherently creates class conflict between the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (working class). They argued that a revolution by the proletariat would lead to a socialist transitional phase, ultimately culminating in communism.

In the 20th century, several states adopted communist ideologies, often under the leadership of a single political party. These regimes implemented centrally planned economies and sought to eliminate private ownership of major industries. Examples include the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and Vietnam. However, the practical implementation of communism has often resulted in authoritarian rule, economic inefficiencies, and widespread human rights abuses. The collapse of many communist states in the late 20th century led to a reevaluation of the ideology's viability and effectiveness. While some nations still identify as communist, their economic and political systems often incorporate market-based elements.