What became of communism?

Answer 1

The various ideologies that come under the banner of communism (and by extension, socialism) are still alive in various forms around the world. In terms of governments calling themselves communist or socialist, this has largely ended since 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The specific communist ideology that the USSR operated under (and Cuba still does) is Marxism-Leninism (also known as Stalinism). This however, is just one of the many, many ideologies falling under the socialism banner. But thanks to much Propaganda and misinformation from capitalist nations, and to people like Joseph McCarthy, communism has become synonymous with the authoritarian Marxist-Leninist governments throughout the 20th century.

It should be noted that none of the 'Communist' Marxist-Leninist nations in history ever actually achieved a society that matches the definition of communism - one that is stateless, moneyless, and classless. This was usually due to the creation of authoritarian bureaucracies by people more concerned with power and status than the state of the working class. These bureaucracies began to stray from the goal of socialism or communism, for various historical and ideological reasons.

It is easy to dismiss the entire ideology and it's various forms by stating something about 'human nature', as so many who don't understand much about it or it's history do. But socialism and communism are still alive and well in union movements, activist organisations and political parties around the world. To dismiss it entirely is to ignore its history and successes throughout the world and throughout recent history.

Answer 2

Communism was an ideology that political scientists, economists,and philosophers placed into the dustbin of history well before the collapse of the Soviet Union and before China decided to allow private corporations and a stock exchange in Shanghai.Cuba & North Korea are still working as "communist" nations, however, the monarchy they created by passing down leadership to relatives would make even Stalin turn in his grave.

Communism, and all of its parts such a dialectical materialism, now form studies in world history. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels are also studied as historical figures.

Answer 3

It never quite went according to plan. Namely, because it's an ideology which completely dismisses human nature.