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A review by mimmyjau
Communism: A History by Richard Pipes
2.0
Short book that covers the history of communism in 6-ish parts: 1) Marx and Communism's origination, 2) Lenin, 3) Stalin, 4) Reception of Communism by the West, 5) Communism in other countries (e.g. China, Cuba, Cambodia, among others), and 6) Problems with Communism.
The final chapter was perhaps the most interesting. In it, the author shares his view that Communism failed not because of flawed execution but flawed theory. He rejects the notion that there was ever a period in human history where private property was absent. He also believes that Communism is inherently contradictory because it creates a privileged government class because "to enforce the equality of possessions it is necessary to institutionalize inequality of rights". Lastly, as the government grows and assumes greater responsibilities, it becomes increasingly appealing to careerists for whom power and self-preservation become more important that the party's original goals (as evidenced by the fact that most party loyalists the in former USSR were more eager to benefit from privatization of state-owned assets than they were in saving the party).
While certainly critical of Communism and utopian ideals, it would be a stretch to say (like other reviewers have), that this book was critical of leftist politics broadly. Early in the book, the author was critical of Communists parties for having turning against Labour parties in the early 20th century.
The final chapter was perhaps the most interesting. In it, the author shares his view that Communism failed not because of flawed execution but flawed theory. He rejects the notion that there was ever a period in human history where private property was absent. He also believes that Communism is inherently contradictory because it creates a privileged government class because "to enforce the equality of possessions it is necessary to institutionalize inequality of rights". Lastly, as the government grows and assumes greater responsibilities, it becomes increasingly appealing to careerists for whom power and self-preservation become more important that the party's original goals (as evidenced by the fact that most party loyalists the in former USSR were more eager to benefit from privatization of state-owned assets than they were in saving the party).
While certainly critical of Communism and utopian ideals, it would be a stretch to say (like other reviewers have), that this book was critical of leftist politics broadly. Early in the book, the author was critical of Communists parties for having turning against Labour parties in the early 20th century.