How Many Communist Countries Exist Today?

List of Current Communist Countries

As of 2021, there are five countries in the world that are considered to be communist: China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and Vietnam. These countries are all led by communist parties that hold a monopoly on political power.

China, the most populous country in the world, is the largest communist country in terms of both population and economy. The Chinese Communist Party has been in power since 1949 and has implemented a unique form of communism known as “market socialism,” which incorporates elements of capitalism into the communist system.

Cuba, a small island nation in the Caribbean, has been a communist country since 1959 when Fidel Castro and his revolutionary forces overthrew the government. The Communist Party of Cuba has a single-party system and controls all aspects of the government and economy.

Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, has been a communist country since 1975. The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party is the only legal political party in Laos, and the government has tight control over the media and civil society.

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is perhaps the most well-known communist country in the world. The ruling Korean Workers’ Party maintains a cult of personality around the country’s founder, Kim Il-sung, and his family. North Korea has a planned economy and is one of the most isolated countries in the world.

Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia, has been a communist country since 1975. The Communist Party of Vietnam holds a monopoly on political power and controls all aspects of the government and economy. In recent years, Vietnam has implemented market-oriented reforms to promote economic growth.

Overall, communist countries are few in number and face a variety of challenges, including economic stagnation, political repression, and international isolation. However, the communist ideology continues to have a significant influence on politics and society around the world.

The Differences Between Communist Countries

Although there are only five countries that are considered to be communist, each one has its own unique characteristics and history. Here are some of the key differences between these countries:

1. Ideology: While all communist countries adhere to the principles of Marxism-Leninism, each country has its own interpretation of these principles. For example, China has implemented market-oriented reforms, while North Korea has a highly centralized planned economy.

2. Political System: The political systems of communist countries vary widely. For example, China has a one-party system, while Cuba has a two-party system. North Korea has a dynastic system of leadership, while Vietnam has a collective leadership structure.

3. Economic System: The economic systems of communist countries also vary. China has implemented market-oriented reforms, while Cuba and North Korea have planned economies. Vietnam has implemented market-oriented reforms in recent years, but the state still plays a significant role in the economy.

4. Foreign Policy: Communist countries also have different foreign policies. China has a policy of “peaceful rise,” while North Korea has a policy of “Juche” or self-reliance. Cuba has traditionally had a policy of anti-imperialism, while Vietnam has pursued closer ties with the West.

5. International Relations: Finally, the relationships between communist countries and the rest of the world vary. China has become a major economic power and is actively engaged in international diplomacy. North Korea, on the other hand, is one of the most isolated countries in the world. Cuba has historically had tense relations with the United States, while Vietnam has normalized relations in recent years.

Overall, while communist countries share some common characteristics, each one is unique in its own way. The differences between these countries are shaped by their history, culture, and geopolitical circumstances.

Criticisms of Communist Countries

Communist countries have faced criticism from many quarters, both within their own borders and from the international community. Here are some of the main criticisms:

1. Political Repression: Communist countries are often criticized for their lack of political freedom and civil liberties. Dissent is often suppressed, and opposition parties and independent media are not allowed to operate.

2. Economic Stagnation: Communist countries have often struggled to achieve economic growth and prosperity. Centralized planning and state control over the economy can lead to inefficiencies and lack of innovation.

3. Human Rights Abuses: Communist countries have been criticized for their human rights records. Political dissidents, ethnic and religious minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are often subject to persecution and discrimination.

4. Environmental Degradation: Communist countries have sometimes prioritized economic development over environmental protection, leading to pollution and environmental degradation.

5. International Isolation: Communist countries have often faced international isolation and sanctions. This can limit their ability to trade and engage in diplomatic relations with other countries.

6. Lack of Democracy: One of the main criticisms of communist countries is their lack of democracy. Communist parties often hold a monopoly on political power, and the voices of the people are not always heard or represented.

Overall, while communism has its proponents, the criticism of communist countries revolves around the lack of political freedom, economic growth, human rights, environmental protection, and democracy. These criticisms have contributed to the decline of communism as a political system in recent decades.

The Future of Communism in the World

The fall of the Soviet Union and the shift towards market-oriented economic policies in China and Vietnam have led many to declare the end of communism as a viable political system. However, there are still those who believe that communism can and should play a role in the world. Here are some perspectives on the future of communism:

1. Decline: Many political analysts believe that communism is in decline and will continue to lose relevance in the coming years. The failure of communist states to provide economic growth and political freedom has contributed to this decline.

2. Persistence: Despite the decline of communism, there are still communist parties and movements around the world. Some believe that communism will continue to be a viable alternative to capitalism, especially in countries with high levels of inequality and poverty.

3. Evolution: Others believe that communism will evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. For example, some proponents of communism have suggested that it could be combined with elements of market-oriented economic policies to create a hybrid system.

4. Renewal: Some believe that communism could experience a renewal, especially if it can address the issues that led to its decline in the first place. For example, if communist countries can provide economic growth, political freedom, and human rights, communism may once again become a viable political system.

Overall, the future of communism is uncertain. While the decline of communism seems to be the prevailing trend, there are still those who believe that communism can and should play a role in the world. The key will be whether communist countries can address the criticisms leveled against them and provide a viable alternative to capitalist systems.

Brief History of Communist Countries

Communism as a political and economic system has been around for over a century. Here is a brief history of communist countries:

1. Soviet Union: The Soviet Union was the world’s first communist state, established in 1917 after the Bolshevik Revolution. The Soviet Union became a superpower during the Cold War, but eventually collapsed in 1991 due to economic stagnation and political repression.

2. China: The Chinese Communist Party came to power in 1949 after a long civil war. Under Mao Zedong’s leadership, China implemented a planned economy and collectivized agriculture. In the 1980s, China began to implement market-oriented economic policies, leading to significant economic growth.

3. Cuba: Fidel Castro and his revolutionary forces overthrew the government in 1959 and established a communist state. Cuba has faced significant economic and political challenges, including a trade embargo by the United States.

4. North Korea: North Korea was established in 1948 after the division of Korea. Under the leadership of Kim Il-sung, North Korea implemented a planned economy and developed a cult of personality around its leader. Today, North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world.

5. Vietnam: The Communist Party of Vietnam came to power in 1975 after the end of the Vietnam War. Vietnam implemented a planned economy, but in recent years has implemented market-oriented reforms to promote economic growth.

Overall, the history of communist countries has been marked by both successes and failures. While some communist countries have achieved economic growth and stability, others have struggled with economic stagnation and political repression. The decline of communism as a political system in recent decades has led many to question its viability in the future.