Totalitarianism vs. Communism: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 16, 2023
Totalitarianism is a political system with absolute power centralized, while Communism is an ideology advocating classless society and shared ownership.
Key Differences
Totalitarianism is characterized by a central authority that does not tolerate parties of differing opinion and that exercises dictatorial control over many aspects of life. Communism, in contrast, is a socio-economic and political ideology that believes in the common ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
While Totalitarianism can exist within various political ideologies, its defining trait is the absolute power it grants to the ruling party or leader, often suppressing dissenting opinions and civil liberties. Communism, however, focuses on the collective rather than the individual, with the aim of achieving a classless society where resources and production output are equitably distributed.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
It's crucial to note that not all Communist states or movements are Totalitarian. There are instances where Communism has been practiced or aspired to without the severe restrictions associated with Totalitarianism. Conversely, Totalitarianism has been observed in systems that are not Communist, as its primary trait is absolute control rather than any specific economic arrangement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Totalitarianism is mainly about political control and the suppression of individual freedoms in the interest of the state. Communism, on the other hand, is rooted in an economic and social theory which seeks to address inequality by eliminating private ownership and promoting communal resources.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
The misconception often arises from the 20th century, where some nations proclaiming themselves as Communist also adopted Totalitarian practices. However, in theory and origin, Totalitarianism and Communism are distinct – one is a form of governance, and the other is an ideological belief.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Core Concept
Absolute political control
Classless society with shared ownership
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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Totalitarianism and Communism Definitions
Totalitarianism
Totalitarianism is a system where the state holds absolute control over every aspect of public and private life.
The Totalitarianism government had informants in every neighborhood.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
Communism
It seeks to establish a society where resources and power are distributed equitably among its members.
Communism values collective welfare over individual gain.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
Totalitarianism
In a Totalitarianism regime, citizens often face surveillance and censorship.
Totalitarian regimes often maintain power through an elaborate security apparatus.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Communism
It opposes capitalist structures, promoting shared ownership of the means of production.
Under Communism, factories and industries are collectively owned.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Totalitarianism
It is marked by centralized control by an autocratic authority.
Totalitarianism ensures that only state-sanctioned news reaches its people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Communism
Communism envisions a stateless society after the proletariat revolution.
Communism believes that after a worker's revolution, state structures will dissolve.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Totalitarianism
The Totalitarianism state dictated every part of its citizens' lives.
Information and media are strictly controlled by the state in this system.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Communism
A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Totalitarianism
Of, relating to, being, or imposing a form of government in which the political authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life, the individual is subordinated to the state, and opposing political and cultural expression is suppressed
"A totalitarian regime crushes all autonomous institutions in its drive to seize the human soul" (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Communism
A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Communism
The Marxist-Leninist doctrine advocating revolution to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat that will eventually evolve into a perfectly egalitarian and communal society.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Totalitarianism
A system of government in which the people have virtually no authority and the state wields absolute control, for example, a dictatorship.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Communism
Any far-left political ideology or philosophy advocating holding the production of resources collectively, especially by seizing it through revolution.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Totalitarianism
A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Communism
Any political social system that implements a communist political philosophy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Totalitarianism
The principle of complete and unrestricted power in government
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Communism
The international socialist society where classes, money, and the state no longer exist.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Totalitarianism
Political opposition is often brutally suppressed in this system.
Dissenters in a Totalitarianism regime are often imprisoned or worse.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
Communism
A scheme of equalizing the social conditions of life; specifically, a scheme which contemplates the abolition of inequalities in the possession of property, as by distributing all wealth equally to all, or by holding all wealth in common for the equal use and advantage of all.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Communism
Communism is an ideology advocating for a classless society and common ownership of resources.
Communism aims for a world where everyone shares resources equitably.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Communism
The doctrine believes in the elimination of private property for communal benefit.
In a true Communist society, there's no private land ownership.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
What's the central economic principle of Communism?
Shared ownership of the means of production.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
How does Totalitarianism view individual rights?
They're often suppressed in favor of state control.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Can Totalitarian regimes have different ideologies?
Yes, Totalitarianism is about control, not a specific ideology.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
How does Communism view capitalism?
It opposes it, advocating for shared ownership over private property.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Does Communism always lead to Totalitarianism?
No, while some Communist states have been Totalitarian, they're distinct concepts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Do Totalitarian regimes always control media?
Yes, state control of media is a common feature.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
What's the main goal of Totalitarianism?
Absolute control over every aspect of public and private life.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Is free speech allowed in Totalitarian states?
Typically, free speech is suppressed and controlled.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
What role does class play in Communism?
Communism aims to create a classless society.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Is Communism practiced the same everywhere?
No, its implementation can vary based on regional and cultural factors.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Why do Totalitarian states suppress opposition?
To maintain absolute control and prevent challenges to their power.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Has there ever been a truly Communist society as described in theory?
While many states have claimed to be Communist, none have fully realized the theoretical model.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Is religion allowed in Totalitarian states?
It varies, but many suppress or control religious practices.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
Do all Totalitarian regimes look the same?
No, their practices might vary, but centralized control is consistent.
Harlon Moss
Nov 15, 2023
How do people live under Totalitarian rule?
Often with limited freedoms, surveillance, and state-controlled narratives.
Harlon Moss
Nov 15, 2023
What is the end goal of Communism?
A stateless, classless society with equitable distribution of resources.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Can democracies become Totalitarian?
Yes, if democratic norms and institutions are eroded.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Is Communism atheistic?
Marxist theory is, but how Communism interacts with religion can vary by country.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
How does Communism view wealth distribution?
Wealth should be distributed equitably among all members of society.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
Why do some people support Communism?
They believe in its principles of equality and shared ownership.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
