Communism vs. Nationalism — What's the Difference?

Seeks global solidarity among the working class.

A political ideology that emphasizes loyalty and devotion to one's nation.

Advocates for the abolition of the state to achieve true equality.

Stresses the importance of a common national identity.

Opposes capitalist systems and private property.

Often involves the belief that one's nation is superior to others.

A political and economic ideology aiming for a classless society through collective ownership.

Can be linked to the pursuit of sovereignty and independence.

Emphasizes the distribution of goods based on need.

May advocate for policies that prioritize the nation's interests.

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.

Nationalism is an idea and movement that holds that the nation should be congruent with the state. As a movement, nationalism tends to promote the interests of a particular nation (as in a group of people), especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty (self-governance) over its homeland.

A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.

Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations

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.

Devotion, especially excessive or undiscriminating devotion, to the interests or culture of a particular nation-state.

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.

The belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals.

Any far-left political ideology or philosophy advocating holding the production of resources collectively, especially by seizing it through revolution.

The belief that a particular cultural or ethnic group constitutes a distinct people deserving of political self-determination.

Any political social system that implements a communist political philosophy.

Patriotism; the idea of supporting one's country, people or culture.

The international socialist society where classes, money, and the state no longer exist.

Support for the creation of a sovereign nation (which does not currently exist).

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.

Support for the union of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

A form of socialism that abolishes private ownership

The state of being national; national attachment; nationality.

A political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society

An idiom, trait, or character peculiar to any nation.

National independence; the principles of the Nationalists.

A devotion to one's country; patriotism;

The policy of advocating the independence of one's country.

The policy of advocating the interests of one's own country exclusively, regardless of effects of a country's actions on other countries.

Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it

The doctrine that several different cultures (rather than one national culture) can co-exist peacefully and equitably in a single country

The aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination

The doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals

While theoretically at odds due to their differing goals and perspectives, there have been instances where nationalist movements adopted communist ideologies to achieve specific national objectives.

Nationalism often implies a sense of superiority and aggressive loyalty to one's country, while patriotism is a deep love for one's country without the need to devalue others.

Communism ultimately seeks the abolition of the state as a tool of class oppression, whereas nationalism emphasizes the importance of a strong state to protect and promote national interests.

Communism advocates for the elimination of private property and capitalism, promoting an economy based on communal ownership. Nationalism does not prescribe a specific economic system but supports whatever policies are believed to further national interests.

A society where there is no class division, state apparatus, or private ownership, with resources distributed based on need.

Criticisms include its impracticality, tendency towards authoritarianism in practice, and failure to account for human nature and economic incentives.

They can arise from desires for self-determination, reaction to oppression or colonial rule, cultural revival, or perceived threats to national identity.

To establish a classless, stateless society with communal ownership of resources.

Not necessarily; it can promote unity and pride within a nation, but when taken to extremes, it can lead to exclusion, intolerance, and conflict.

Communism's theoretical end goal contrasts with the concept of a democratic state, while nationalism can support or undermine democracy, depending on whether it promotes inclusivity and respects democratic principles or leads to authoritarianism.

Yes, extreme nationalism can result in xenophobia, ethnic or national superiority, and conflicts with other nations.

While communism is inherently internationalist, some communist movements have incorporated nationalist elements to garner support or achieve specific goals within national contexts.

Benefits can include fostering a sense of unity, preserving cultural heritage, and motivating citizens towards common goals.

Historically, communist principles have been implemented in various ways, often involving revolutionary changes and state control over the economy and society, with varying degrees of success and failure.

Communism promotes international worker solidarity and cooperation across borders, while nationalism prioritizes national interests, which can sometimes lead to isolationism or competitive relations with other nations.