What is communism?

Communism is a political and economic ideology that aims for a classless society. In it, property and the means of production are owned in common. Inspired by Karl Marx, it promises distribution according to need. In practice, communist states have been run by a single party with a planned economy.

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels set out the core ideas in The Communist Manifesto in 1848. They argued that history is driven by conflict between classes and that capitalism would be overthrown by workers. A temporary socialist state would then give way to a stateless, classless communist society. Marx said little in detail about how such a society would work in practice.

In the 20th century, communist parties took power in Russia in 1917, China in 1949 and across Eastern Europe after 1945. These states abolished most private business and used central planning. Many achieved rapid industrialisation, but they were also marked by one-party rule, censorship, famine and mass repression. The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Millions died in famines and purges under these regimes.

Today China, Vietnam, Cuba, Laos and North Korea are ruled by communist parties, though China and Vietnam now allow large private sectors. In the UK the Communist Party of Great Britain never won many seats, and it dissolved in 1991. Communist ideas still influence debates about inequality, workers' rights and public ownership. Some left-wing Labour MPs have drawn on Marxist ideas, though Labour itself is not communist.

Where you've seen it

The Soviet Union (1922 to 1991), Maoist China, Cuba, North Korea and Eastern Europe during the Cold War.

In the UK today

No major UK party is communist. Small communist parties stand in elections, and Marxist ideas still shape some academic, union and activist debates.