Fascism and Communism

Paper Summary:

This paper presents the basic tenets of communism, claiming that they differ significantly from those of fascism. The paper contends that communism is highly egalitarian in its ideals, opposes the state, opposes private ownership of property, and opposes social classes. Fascism, on the other hand, is explained as non-egalitarian and supports the state's interests above all else. The paper explains that, although fascist and communist authoritarian regimes have manifested similarly in many countries, the two systems are ideologically opposed to each other. The paper agrees that both systems have taken on authoritarian and totalitarian forms, but contends that communism and fascism remain at opposite ends of the political spectrum.

From the Paper:

"Although fascist and communist authoritarian regimes have manifested similarly in many countries, the two systems are ideologically opposed to each other. Historically, communism has earlier roots than fascism; as a general social, political, and economic system, communism characterized many pre-agricultural societies that were stateless. Many religious and utopian communities were also communist, based on their communal practices and ideals. However, as it is generally referred to today, communism stems from the socialist traditions codified by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their 1848 publication The Communist Manifesto. Technically, no government can be considered communist since communism necessitates the total abolition of a state government ("Communism"). However, because political parties can be communist in their platforms, those nations that are controlled by Communist political parties are referred to as communist for ease of reference."

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