Communist party

In modern usage, a communist party is a political party which promotes communism, a sociopolitical philosophy based on the particular interpretation of Marxism put forth by Vladimir Lenin. Communist parties today may or may not formally use the term "Communist" in their name. Even if they do, not all follow a strict interpretation of any of the main 'schools' of communism (chiefly Leninism, Maoism, Stalinism or Trotskyism).

Related Topics:
Political party - Communism - Philosophy - Marxism - Vladimir Lenin - Leninism - Maoism - Stalinism - Trotskyism

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The original Communist Parties first started to be widely established across the world in the early 20th century, after the creation of the Communist International by the Russian Bolsheviks. Communist parties have held power in 21 nations throughout history, first and most notably in the Soviet Union.

Related Topics:
20th century - Communist International - Russia - Bolsheviks - Soviet Union

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As of 2005, parties that profess adherence to communist ideology govern Cuba, the Peoples' Republic of China, Vietnam, Laos, and North Korea. In the case of the Communist Party of China (CCP), the adoption of a so-called "socialist market economy" — formally known as "socialism with Chinese characteristics" — has led many communists and communist parties worldwide to argue that it has either partially or completely abandoned communism for capitalism and market society, a charge which the CCP vigorously denies. The Communist Party of Vietnam's adoption of doi moi has led to similar allegations from critics, as have recent Communist Party of Cuba policies dating from during and after the Special Period of the 1990s.

Related Topics:
2005 - Cuba - Peoples' Republic of China - Vietnam - Laos - North Korea - Communist Party of China - Socialist market economy - Socialism with Chinese characteristics - Capitalism - Market society - Communist Party of Vietnam - Doi moi - Communist Party of Cuba - Special Period

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In North Korea, Marxism has been officially "superseded" by the ideology of Juche. In July 2002, North Korea started running an experiment with capitalism in the Kaes?ng Industrial Region. A small number of other areas have been designated as Special Administrative Regions, or regions where free-market policies are allowed, including Sin?iju along the China-North Korea border. Meanwhile, in the former Soviet republic of Moldova, the Communist Party was elected back into power. However, as of 2004, this nominally communist government has not distinguished itself in any significant way from the capitalist government which preceded it.

Related Topics:
North Korea - Juche - Kaes?ng Industrial Region - Free-market - Sin?iju - Soviet republic - Moldova - Communist Party

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There are currently hundreds, if not thousands, of communist parties, large and small, in existence today throughout the world. Their success rates vary widely: some are growing; others are in decline. See the List of Communist Parties and the World Communist Movement for details on today's communist parties.

Related Topics:
List of Communist Parties - World Communist Movement

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