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Russia, under Vladimir Putin, has morphed into an Oligarchy/Plutocracy...not unlike what the GOP is aiming for in the USA...as demonstrated by our expanding wealth gap and the GOP tax benefits for the wealthiest Americans.

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AI Overview

The main difference lies in their approach to achieving greater equality and societal control. Communism aims for a stateless, classless society with communal ownership of all property, often through revolution. Democratic socialism, on the other hand, operates within a democratic framework, advocating for social ownership of key industries and a strong welfare state while maintaining individual property rights and a market economy.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Communism:

Goal:
A stateless, classless society with communal ownership of all means of production.

Method:
Often involves revolution and the overthrow of existing political and economic systems.

Ownership:
Abolition of private property, with the state controlling all aspects of the economy.

Example:
Historically, communist states like the Soviet Union and China, though their implementations varied greatly.

Democratic Socialism:

Goal:
A more egalitarian society with social ownership of key industries and a strong welfare state.

Method:
Works within a democratic system, using electoral politics and legislation to achieve its goals.

Ownership:
Advocates for social ownership of essential services and industries, but also recognizes individual property rights.

Example:
Countries like Sweden and Denmark, which have strong social safety nets and publicly owned utilities.

Key Differences:

Political System:
Communism is typically associated with a one-party state, while democratic socialism operates within a multi-party democracy.

Economic System:
Communism aims for a centrally planned economy, while democratic socialism allows for a mixed economy with both private and social ownership.

Method of Change:
Communism relies on revolution, while democratic socialism uses democratic processes to bring about change.
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Note that in the U.S., Utilities are strongly regulated already