Communism traces its formalized history back to Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. However, the ideas of social equality that formed the foundation of their thinking traces back centuries prior to religious and enlightenment thinkers. While Marx’s social ideals and elimination of individualized property were theorized as ideals to be pursued, the practical reality in politics has been much different, much bloodier, and much less successful for those countries that have been governed by it.
Sean McMeekin’s To Overthrow The World: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Communism is a detailed history of communism, from the theories of Marx to the execution of communism by the Soviets, Chinese, and others. McMeekin focuses on how communism has rarely been implemented through the ballot box, with countries transitioning to communism through revolution, military coup, or civil war. Very rarely have these communist countries held power without use of force or repression of critics. Soviet-era communism failed through lack of military and financial legitimacy in Eastern Europe; however, China has been able to grow economically thanks to trade with the West and favorable economic deals from the United States and Japan.
McMeekin points out that while Soviet-era Communism failed, parts of Chinese state control and repression of alternate viewpoints are gaining wider acceptance in some democratic governments. While America and others are still highly democratic, McMeekin cautions about how technology has been used in monitoring citizens. Additionally, he warns about the developing “thought police” within the private sector that can control or shame those whose views aren’t in lockstep with accepted norms in the workplace or polite society. I’d argue that, especially in the workplace and private sector, such tactics are more Orwellian than Communist, but the idea of state or societal control of an individual is a hallmark of past Communist states.
MY RATING: 4.5
