Communism vs Totalitarianism
Communism is a political and economic ideology that seeks a classless society in which property is owned in common and goods are shared according to need.
- Private ownership of the means of production creates class division and exploitation.
- Property should be held in common by society as a whole.
- Production should meet human needs rather than create profit.
Totalitarianism is a form of rule in which a single party and leader seek total control over the state, society and private life through an official ideology and terror.
- The state, party or movement has authority over every area of life.
- An official ideology claims to explain history and define the goals of society.
- A single mass party led by one leader should hold a monopoly of power.
- Communism: petals and stars
- Totalitarianism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Culture105 points apart
Communism: Multicultural (moderate). Totalitarianism: National identity (moderate).
- Ownership70 points apart
Communism: Public (strong). Totalitarianism: Public (mild).
- Authority70 points apart
Communism: Strong leader (mild). Totalitarianism: Strong leader (strong).
- Security70 points apart
Communism: Order (mild). Totalitarianism: Order (strong).
★ Where they are closest
- Markets · 10 apart
- Technology · 20 apart
- Religion · 40 apart
Axis by axis
Totalitarianism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipStrong: Public100%0%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Planned95%5%PlannedFree
- WelfareStrong: Shared93%7%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityMild: Strong leader35%65%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityMild: Order35%65%LibertyOrder
- StructureModerate: Central30%70%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityModerate: Progressive70%30%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionStrong: Secular93%7%SecularReligious
- TechnologyModerate: Embrace75%25%EmbraceCaution
- CultureModerate: Multicultural75%25%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeMild: Protected45%55%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyMild: Strength45%55%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Communism or Totalitarianism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Communism or Totalitarianism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Communism vs Totalitarianism
What is the difference between Communism and Totalitarianism?
Communism is a political and economic ideology that seeks a classless society in which property is owned in common and goods are shared according to need. Totalitarianism is a form of rule in which a single party and leader seek total control over the state, society and private life through an official ideology and terror. On the 12 axes they differ most on culture, ownership, authority.
What do Communism and Totalitarianism have in common?
Their positions are closest on markets, technology, religion. Overall their profiles are a 69% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Communism or Totalitarianism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.