Why or how has communism lost its appeal, if it really has?
@Shawn
Communism used to have a huge appeal in history, and also today, many people believe in the idea of communism. I found this idea appealing, and I am also a communist, but when you study communism, you will find that it has many errors and properly following communism is almost impossible. But I would like to talk about the idea of a welfare state and the monopoly of dollars
If we look at history after WW2 we will see the formation of welfare states with a capitalist market. It played a huge role in the decline of the idea of communism. Here are some key factors:
Improved Living Standards: The capitalist welfare state offered citizens a higher standard of living compared to communist societies. Welfare programs such as healthcare, education, and social security provided a safety net for individuals, reducing economic insecurity. This contrast in living standards made communism less appealing to many people.
1. Improved Living Standards: The capitalist welfare state offered citizens a higher standard of living compared to communist societies. Welfare programs such as healthcare, education, and social security provided a safety net for individuals, reducing economic insecurity. This contrast in living standards made communism less appealing to many people.
2. Economic Efficiency: Capitalist economies, even with welfare programs, generally outperformed communist economies in terms of economic efficiency and growth. Market-based economies tend to be more innovative and adaptable, leading to greater economic prosperity. This demonstrated the superiority of the capitalist system and eroded the appeal of communism.
3. Political Freedoms: Capitalist welfare states often have more robust political freedoms than communist regimes. These freedoms include freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to vote. These freedoms allowed citizens to express their dissatisfaction with communism and advocate for alternative systems.
4. Soft Power: The success of capitalist welfare states also influenced global perceptions of capitalism. The Western democracies, which often embraced this model, were seen as more prosperous, stable, and desirable. This soft power helped to undermine the ideological appeal of communism.
5. Internal Contradictions in Communism: The capitalist welfare state highlighted the internal contradictions within communism. While communism aimed to create a classless society, the reality was often a system where party elites enjoyed privileges and wealth. The contrast between the ideals of communism and the reality of the Soviet Union and other communist states made it difficult to maintain popular support.
Welfare states give you both political freedom and a free market while enjoying the social welfare scheme, hence reducing economic inequality, which was the real goal of communism. It made people realise that they need not give up their freedom for economic equality, they can enjoy both in a welfare state