Quote:
Originally Posted by GreyWolf
I have some difficulty with the definitions used in the OP. There seems to be some confusion between the system of government and the economic system. Although the two are inextricably inter-related, the economic system is not theoretically dependent on the form of government. Communism need not be a dictatorship or oligarchy, but almost universally is. Socialism and capitalism are both viable market regimes under almost any form of government.
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Communism is, in the least, a form of economic dictatorship/oligarchy. Its structure is based on a centralized control over all or most factors of production and the related decisions concerning them. With communism, the power over capital remains in the hands of governing bodies. With capitalism, it remains in the hands of individuals...well, at least those fortunate enough to obtain it.
At least with socialism, individuals are usually left to own and operate a certain proportion of the production.
I can't see how a governing body that controls the factors of production can be anything other than authoritarian.
I don't think you can easily democratize communism. I think the closest we get is social democracy or democratic socialism. "Pure (stateless) communism" is a bit of a pipe dream.