Communism's strength

democracy's weakness

Ferenc Fehér

pp. 3-9

in: Vladimir Tismaneanu, Judith Shapiro (eds), Debates on the future of communism, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 1991

Abstract

Had the question, "what are the relative strengths and weaknesses of communism?" been asked fifty years ago, a likely and complex answer might have read as follows: in contrast to capitalism (which at that time was in the throes of predictably recurring cycles of crisis), the ultimate strength of communism resides in its vision of a planned and rational society. Irrespective of his admiration or contempt, the casual observer might also have pointed to the Marxist—Leninist ethos as a source of strength. Rightly so, for it created a unique modern type: the professional revolutionary, armed prophet of messianic expectations and self-sacrifice, expert of the technology of power beyond good and evil.

Cited authors

Marx Karl