Fascism vs. Communism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Fascism advocates for a centralized autocracy and nationalism, whereas Communism calls for a classless, stateless society through collective ownership.
Difference Between Fascism and Communism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fascism is characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. Conversely, Communism aspires to a classless society where property and the means of production are communally owned, theoretically eliminating the need for state control as under Fascism.
In Fascism, the state's interests are considered supreme, often with a nationalistic focus and leadership by a single party leader who is believed to embody the national will. Communism, on the other hand, seeks to develop a society without distinct social classes and is structured around common ownership of the means of production, with no single leader being exalted.
Fascism tends to promote a mixed economy with the primary goal of achieving national strength and unity, frequently at the expense of individual freedoms. In contrast, Communism advocates for the abolition of private property to achieve social and economic equality, theoretically leading to freedom from exploitation.
Nationalism is a core component of Fascist ideology, which often emphasizes ethnic identity and is known to employ propaganda and mass mobilization. Communism focuses on internationalism, promoting solidarity among the working classes across different nations, opposing the idea of nationalism.
While Fascism is associated with the extreme right on the traditional political spectrum, advocating hierarchical and often militaristic governance, Communism sits on the far left, promoting a stateless, classless, internationalist order.
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Comparison Chart
Ideological Position
Far right
Far left
State Role
Centralized, authoritarian
Aims for a stateless society
Economy
Mixed, state intervention
Planned, collective ownership
Class Structure
Hierarchical
Classless
Property
Private and state-controlled
Common ownership
Nationalism
Highly nationalist
Internationalist
Leadership
Dictatorial
Collective leadership
Compare with Definitions
Fascism
Dictatorial control and suppression of opposition
Under fascism, dissent was crushed.
Communism
A theory advocating classless society
Communism seeks to remove social hierarchies.
Fascism
Nationalist and autocratic
Fascism often elevates a leader to cult status.
Communism
Collective ownership of production
Under communism, factories belong to the workers.
Fascism
A political system with centralized authority
The regime's fascism stifled individual freedoms.
Communism
Abolition of private property
Private land was abolished under communism.
Fascism
Right-wing, authoritarian nationalism
Fascism's rise in the 20th century led to world conflict.
Communism
International solidarity among workers
Communism's goal is global worker unity.
Fascism
Fascism () is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy, which came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe. The first fascist movements emerged in Italy during World War I, before spreading to other European countries.
Communism
Communism (from Latin communis, 'common, universal') is a philosophical, social, political, and economic ideology and movement whose ultimate goal is the establishment of a communist society, namely a socioeconomic order structured upon the ideas of common ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes, money, and, in some cases, the state. As such, communism is a specific form of socialism.
Fascism
An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.
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.
Fascism
A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
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.
Fascism
A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
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.
Fascism
Oppressive, dictatorial control.
Communism
Any far-left political ideology or philosophy advocating holding the production of resources collectively, especially by seizing it through revolution.
Fascism
Any right-wing, authoritarian, nationalist ideology characterized by centralized, totalitarian governance, strong regimentation of the economy and society, and repression of criticism or opposition.
Communism
Any political social system that implements a communist political philosophy.
Fascism
Any system of strong autocracy or oligarchy usually to the extent of bending and breaking the law, race-baiting, and/or violence against largely unarmed populations.
Communism
The international socialist society where classes, money, and the state no longer exist.
Fascism
Any extreme reliance on or enforcement of rules and regulations.
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.
Fascism
A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government; - opposed to democracy and liberalism.
Communism
A form of socialism that abolishes private ownership
Fascism
An authoritarian system of government under absolute control of a single dictator, allowing no political opposition, forcibly suppressing dissent, and rigidly controlling most industrial and economic activities. Such regimes usually try to achieve popularity by a strongly nationalistic appeal, often mixed with racism.
Communism
A political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society
Fascism
Specifically, the Fascist movement led by Benito Mussolini in Italy from 1922 to 1943.
Communism
State aims to wither away
Communism envisions a future without government.
Fascism
Broadly, a tendency toward or support of a strongly authoritarian or dictatorial control of government or other organizations; - often used pejoratively in this sense.
Fascism
A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)
Fascism
Regimentation of society and economy
Fascism dictated strict societal roles.
Common Curiosities
Can Fascism coexist with democracy?
No, fascism is fundamentally opposed to democratic principles.
What is the key principle of Fascism?
Fascism emphasizes strong centralized power and often nationalism.
How does Communism address human rights?
Communism theoretically promotes collective rights over individual rights.
What is Communism’s goal?
Communism aims for a classless, stateless society through communal ownership.
Does Communism have a state?
In theory, Communism leads to a stateless society, but in practice, states have remained.
What is a communist party?
A political party that seeks to establish a communist society.
Are there successful examples of Communism?
Historically, no society has fully realized the communist ideal.
Did Fascism support private enterprise?
Fascism allowed private enterprise under strict state control.
What is a fascist political party?
A political party that espouses fascist principles, often through authoritarian means.
Is Communism anti-religion?
Communism is typically secular and may oppose institutionalized religion.
Is Fascism inherently militaristic?
Fascism often glorifies military values and discipline.
What are typical symbols of Fascism?
The fasces and the swastika are commonly associated with Fascism.
Can Fascism and Communism be considered opposites?
Yes, in terms of ideology and their position on the political spectrum, they are often considered opposites.
How does Communism affect the economy?
It eliminates private ownership in favor of state or communal control.
How did Fascism rise to power historically?
It often arose during periods of social unrest, promising national rejuvenation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
