Communism vs. Democracy: Why It Matter
November 7, 2022—If you want to know what communism looks like, you don’t need to spend time in China, Cuba, Laos, or Vietnam. You don’t even need to spend hours watching the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, the twice-a-decade gathering that selects the country’s highest rulers.
All you need to see is one minute of the final ceremony right before officials announce the new leaders. It was at that moment that party members came for former President Hu Jintao. Note, the 79-year-old Hu served as China’s president from 2003 to 2013. As a leader, he served during unprecedented growth that cemented China’s status as a world power. But that record didn’t secure him much dignity to let him stay seated during the announcement of the new leaders.
In contrast to democracy, communism leaves no room for dissent. Central planners control the agenda, media, actions, and complete conversion.
First, a man on his left takes his folder from him. Then, China’s President Xi Jinping speaks with a man behind Hu, giving some directions. Soon, two men come and gently but firmly pull Hu up and away from his chair. Hu gives a quick jerk of his elbow as if to free it from the unwelcome embrace. Meanwhile, Xi sits quietly nodding his head in approval.
Hu looks confused. And, frankly, who wouldn’t be? As he’s escorted out, obviously against his will, there are a few seconds where he turns to Xi in appeal. Xi nods his head.
What followed was some 2,200 party members approving in unison the announcement of the party’s new leadership. A flood of applause filled the Great Hall of the People kind of like the adoration opera singer Placido Domingo would receive in his prime.
The only difference is the party members didn’t have a choice. And most likely the unexpected Hu exit is proof of that. Mind you, however, the people in China won’t see that. China’s media scrubbers cut that part from replays of the event aired in China.
Consolidation Of Power
A sign of Machiavellian strength is the ability to exert power without lifting a hand. Chinese President Xi Jinping certainly did that at the Congress. Furthermore, he consolidated his power, sidelined political rivals, and appointed loyalists. What’s more, he took a third term as leader. That not only gives him another five years to preside, it also gives him status as the country’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
What Happens In China Matters To The World
So why does that matter now?
“By not stepping down after two terms, Xi has defied unspoken rules that previous leaders instated in hopes of institutionalizing peaceful transitions of power and preventing a return to Mao-style one-man rule,” Lily Kuo and Christian Shepherd write for the Washington Post.
That matters because what happens in China matters to the world. Even as some analysts talk about globalization going in reverse and some business leaders turn their attention and investments to places closer to home; the world is still very global. What’s more, China wants to keep it that way.
Communism vs. Democracy
In contrast to democracy, communism leaves no room for dissent. Loyalty and obedience are required. Central planners control the agenda, media, actions, and complete conversion. Debate is nonexistent. And differences of opinion are forbidden.
Compare that to democratic systems that require debate and compromise. Governing is more challenging. To lead, you need to allow criticism, answer questions, and often articulate your reasons for asserting your plans.
Yes, democracy gets messy. Lately, it has been increasingly chaotic, and it appears to be getting out of hand. You only have to look to leadership shifts in the United Kingdom, violence and vitriol in the United States, or populist movements in France and other European countries.
In the democratic world, citizens must look closely at what’s happening and fix the mess. At the same time, it’s essential to see what communism looks like because there’s no room for freedom or human dignity.
As Xi takes his country on a new journey toward “socialism with Chinese characteristics,” he takes many people in other countries and digital spaces with him. The rest of us have to dig deep to define our values and make our decisions wisely.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2022 Patti Mohr
I’d love to hear your thoughts about democracy vs. communism and other totalitarian systems.