Communist Nations

Definition

These are countries where the government exercises control over the economy and society based on communist principles. The state owns all property and means of production, and there is no private enterprise.

Analogy

Think of a school cafeteria where everyone gets the same meal (communism), as opposed to a food court where you can choose what you want to eat (capitalism).

Related terms

Marxism-Leninism: This is an ideology combining Marx's socio-economic theories with Lenin's political strategies. It became the official ideology of many communist nations.

Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between two blocs - capitalist Western countries led by the United States and communist Eastern Bloc led by Soviet Union after World War II until 1991.

Iron Curtain: A term coined by Winston Churchill referring to the ideological, political, and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from end of World War II until end of Cold War.