Communism is a political and economic ideology that aims to create a classless society where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole. It advocates for the elimination of private property, social classes, and money, with wealth distributed equally or based on individual need. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels formalized the modern definition of communism in their 1848 publication, The Communist Manifesto, criticizing capitalism and its impact on the working class.
Emerging from the socialist movement in 19th-century Europe, communism gained traction with the 1917 Russian Revolution, leading to the formation of the Soviet Union in 1922. Throughout much of the 20th century, a significant portion of the world's population lived under communist governments, characterized by one-party rule and state control over the economy and media. Today, only a few countries, including China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and Vietnam, are recognized as communist states, though their adherence to true communist principles is debated. These nations often allow for some economic competition while maintaining single-party rule.
