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2019 | Fall Issue

The Socialism Issue

A deep-dive into state-run economies—and why they fail.

The state-owned hotels in Cuba suck, but not because Cuba is poor. They suck because no one cares.

— Professor Benjamin Powell, Texas Tech University

what’s inside

But That’s Not Real Socialism…

Steven D. Anderson

In politician discussions, it’s important to define terminology carefully—that can be difficult when it comes to the differences between capitalism and socialism. The broad definition of capitalism is the economic, political, and social system where the means of production (e.g., businesses, factories, farms) are privately owned. The distribution and exchange of goods are coordinated primarily through the free market. But the latter term in this pairing, “socialism,” is more complex. Socialism is a broad umbrella term for a variety of political, economic, and social philosophies—all related but differing in sometimes subtle ways. The following glossary clarifies the different varieties of socialism that come up in this discussion.

What We Get Wrong About Marx

Brandon Turner

If you're baffled by reports of surging enthusiasm for socialism in America and by the confusion that the term engenders, it helps to look closer at the works of socialism’s most prominent proponent: the German theorist Karl Marx.

Socialism as Substitute Community

Timothy P. Carney

We shouldn't be surprised that people are turning to radical solutions like socialism, considering how many are finding modern life in America so wanting.

Luxury in a Socialist Hotel

Benjamin Powell

Despite its increasing popularity, many people remain unaware of what socialism really entails, and of its inevitable economic consequences.

Britain’s Socialist Experiment and Margaret Thatcher’s Capitalist Solution

Sam Hooper

When I was growing up in a single-parent family in 1980s Britain, my mother and I were proud of our flat.

Venezuela: The Aftermath

Sam Hooper

In The 1950s, massive oil reserves made Venezuela the fourth-richest country in the world. But that wealth wasn’t enough to pay for socialism’s false promise to the country.

Socialism Puts Free Speech on the Chopping Block

Wen Fa

Socialism, In theory, is economic policy. But in practice, socialism has profound consequences on free speech.

Where in the World Can We Find Karl Marx?

Phillip Magness

When the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union collapsed, most political observers saw it as socialism’s swan song.

How Rock-and-Roll Killed Communism

Nathaniel Hamilton

Behind the Iron Curtain, Western-loving youths embraced American pop culture and fashion with feverish enthusiasm.

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