The Idea Of Communism

By (author) Ali, Tariq
Short description/annotation:
November 9, 2009, will mark twenty years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the monumental event that signalled the beginning of the end of Communism in the former Soviet Union. Why was this collapse of Communism considered final, while the many failures of capitalism are considered temporary and episodic? This title addresses this very question.
Description:
November 9, 2009, will mark twenty years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the monumental event that signalled the beginning of the end of Communism in the former Soviet Union. Why was this collapse of Communism considered final, while the many failures of capitalism are considered temporary and episodic? In "The Idea of Communism", Tariq Ali addresses this very question. The idea of Communism, argues Ali, was simple and noble. "The Communist Manifesto", which advocated the creation of a society based on the principle of ''from each according to his ability, to each according to his need'' rather than a system based on greed and profit, appealed to millions all over the globe. However, Ali argues that the vision of society adumbrated by the founders of Communism was a far cry from what became known as actually existing socialism in the Soviet Union and China. The Communist system that developed ignored Engels'' belief that a workers'' movement and its victory were inconceivable without freedom of the press and assembly. This freedom, Engels insisted, ''is the air it needs to breathe''. Here, in a thought-provoking reevaluation, Ali argues that a new form of socialism and global planning is vital to save the planet from capitalist and environmental degradation.
Review quote:
"Ali broadens our horizons, geographically, historically, intellectually, and politically. His mode of history telling is lyrical and engaging, humane, and passionate." - Nation"
Biographical note:
Tariq Ali is a writer, filmmaker, and a longtime political activist and campaigner. He has written over a dozen books on world history and politics - including The Clash of Fundamentalisms, Bush in Babylon, Rough Music, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Axis of Hope - as well as five novels and scripts for both stage and screen.