Why isn't communism really communism?

Answer 1

True communism isn't practiced by a major power anywhere in the world today. Instead, the politico-economic system currently practiced by China (and which used to be employed by the Soviet Union) is called socialism.

A very simplified explanation of the difference is that socialism is set up and controlled by a central government, whereas communism is controlled and maintained at the local (people) level. The only practical example of true communism can be found in the system known (appropriately enough) as a commune, similar to the kibbutz farming communities found in Israel.