Differences between Communism and Fascism
Contents
Communism vs. Fascism[edit]
Communism and Fascism are political ideologies that emerged in the 20th century, both advocating for totalitarian systems of government, yet stemming from different theoretical foundations.[1][2] Communism, rooted in the theories of Karl Marx, seeks to create a classless, stateless society through the common ownership of the means of production.[3][4][5] Fascism, in contrast, is a far-right ideology characterized by extreme nationalism, militarism, and the belief in a natural social hierarchy, with individual interests being subordinate to the state. While both systems oppose liberal democracy and capitalism, their core tenets regarding social structure, economics, and ultimate societal goals are fundamentally different.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Communism | Fascism |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ideology | Aims for a classless, international society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.[4] | Emphasizes extreme nationalism, often with a focus on racial purity, and the absolute power of the state. |
| Economic System | Advocates for the complete abolition of private property and a centrally planned economy where the state controls all means of production. | Allows private property and enterprise, but the economy is heavily regulated and directed by the state to serve national interests. |
| Political Structure | A single, vanguard party representing the working class holds all political power, with the eventual theoretical goal of the state "withering away." | A totalitarian one-party state led by a single dictator who embodies the national will and suppresses all opposition. |
| Social Structure | Strives for the elimination of all social classes to create a society of equals. | Enforces a rigid social hierarchy, believing that certain groups or races are superior to others. |
| Individual Rights | Individual liberties are subordinate to the goals of the collective and the revolution; in practice, human rights are often suppressed.[1] | Individual rights are nonexistent; the individual exists only to serve the state and is expected to show unwavering loyalty. |
| Nationalism | Promotes internationalism, advocating for a global workers' revolution to unite the proletariat across borders. | Characterized by intense and aggressive nationalism, prioritizing the interests and perceived greatness of the nation above all else. |
| Use of Violence | Violence is seen as a necessary tool of the proletariat to overthrow the bourgeoisie and defend the revolution. | Violence and militarism are glorified as means to achieve national rejuvenation and expansion. |
Ideological Origins and Goals[edit]
The ideological underpinnings of Communism are found in the mid-19th-century writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who posited that history is a series of class struggles.[5] The ultimate goal of Communism is to achieve a utopian society free from exploitation and social stratification. Fascism's intellectual origins are more diffuse, drawing from various nationalist, anti-Enlightenment, and social Darwinist ideas of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It does not promise a future utopia of equality but rather a regenerated and powerful nation-state.
While both ideologies are totalitarian and have led to oppressive regimes with a single-party rule and the suppression of individual freedoms, their foundational philosophies are in direct opposition.[1][2] Communism is theoretically based on an internationalist and classless vision, while Fascism is fundamentally nationalist and hierarchical.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "bartleby.com". Retrieved November 03, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "quora.com". Retrieved November 03, 2025.
- ↑ "investopedia.com". Retrieved November 03, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "thoughtco.com". Retrieved November 03, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "corporatefinanceinstitute.com". Retrieved November 03, 2025.
