Understanding Communism: Stateless or State-Ruled?

The Nature of Communism:
Communism often evokes an image of a stateless, classless, and moneyless society, where resources are distributed equally among its members. However, the practical application of this ideology has brought about complexities and shifts over the years, challenging the pure misinterpretations of Marxist theory.

Theoretical vs. Practical Communism

The ideal of communism, as envisioned by Karl Marx, envisions a stateless society where citizens participate in decision-making and communal living. This utopian vision is often associated with concepts like the Federation from Star Trek or the Demarchists from Revolution Space. In such a society, the monarchy and the state, which Marx viewed as instruments used to suppress the working class, are believed to be obsolete.

Communism in Practice: The Role of the State

However, the post-revolutionary period sees a different scenario. After a revolution, a new ruling class often consolidates its power through a specific state structure. This period is essential for protecting the new rule by the working class and ensuring the transition of power is smooth. It's important to note that in these transitional periods, the state plays a crucial role in maintaining order and protecting the newly formed society.

Communist States and Ideology

While at a theoretical level, communism is stateless, many states in practice claim to be communist. This is often due to a combination of factors:

Ideological Claims: Some states may embrace the term "communist" to align with their political ideology, whether or not they are operating in a truly communist mode. The Soviet Union, for example, recognized this dichotomy, and its official policies were often a blend of communist theory and practical governance. Scope of Application: Occasionally, states may be pragmatic and apply the term "communist" to describe their aspirations and goals rather than their current operational state. Influential Ideology: The term "communist" can be used by individuals or groups to criticize or promote their political agendas. This misuse can create confusion and misinterpretation in social and political discussions.

The Role of the Deep State in Modern Communism

In modern interpretations, the concept of the " deep state" has been used to describe a powerful, secret network that operates within a government and influences its policies. In the context of communism, some argue that a "deep state" exists to control and direct society, ensuring the dominance of the communist ideology. This state, composed of powerful individuals and institutions, ensures the continuation of the communist regime, even if not all of its members support the ideology.

The Necessity of the State in Communism

The absence of the state in a communist society would likely lead to chaos and anarchy, as seen in failed attempts at establishing fully communist societies. Without a state or administrative body, the productive population might lose motivation and the necessary resources to sustain the community. Therefore, in practice, communist states often maintain a form of control and governance to ensure the smooth functioning of the society.

Conclusion

Communism presents a complex spectrum of ideas and practices. At its core, the theory aims for a stateless, classless, and moneyless society. However, the practical implementation often results in the establishment of a state to manage and control the society. Understanding the differences between the theoretical and practical aspects of communism is key to grasping the nuances of this political ideology.

Key Points to Remember:

The nature of communism is influenced by both its theoretical underpinnings and practical applications. Communist states may claim to be communist to describe their ideology or aspirations, rather than their current state of governance. A "deep state" can exist within communist regimes to enforce ideological control and maintain power. Communism, as an ideology, differs from its practical embodiments, which often maintain a form of state control.

Understanding these factors can help in navigating the complexities and contradictions of communism in different contexts.