The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), commonly referred to as the Soviet Union, is often associated with communism due to its Marxist-Leninist ideology and socialist economic system. However, many argue that the USSR should not be considered truly communist. This essay will explore the reasons why the USSR should not be considered a communist state.
Firstly, communism is defined as a classless society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the workers. However, in the USSR, the state controlled all the means of production, and the workers had little to no say in how they were run. The Soviet economy was characterized by central planning, with the state deciding what goods and services would be produced, in what quantities, and at what prices. This top-down approach to the economy contradicts the fundamental principles of communism, which advocates for worker control and decision-making.
Secondly, communism is characterized by the absence of private property, with all property owned collectively by the workers. However, in the USSR, the state owned all property, and individuals had no right to own property themselves. This contradicts the communist principle of collective ownership and control of property and suggests that the USSR was, in fact, a state capitalist society.
Thirdly, communism is based on the principle of equality, with all individuals having equal access to resources and opportunities. However, the USSR was characterized by a rigid hierarchy, with the Communist Party at the top and ordinary citizens at the bottom. The party elite enjoyed privileges and benefits not available to the rest of society, indicating a significant disparity in power and wealth. The USSR's political system was authoritarian, with the government using force and coercion to maintain its grip on power. The absence of political and personal freedoms contradicts the principles of communism, which emphasize individual liberty and equality.