global trading - in communism

[dsmtuner]

I was in a debat about communism vs. capatlism and the guy said that in communism they don't trade with other countries. Is this true?

[Palmares]

I suppose the idea is that a communist state should be self-sufficient, however all attepted 'communist' countires have, or do trade with other countries. The DPRK does, though extremely regulated. Cuba does, evident in the huge arguement over the US blockade.

Theoretically I suppose what the cappies say is true, albeit a socialist (I use this in the sense of a intermediate government) country cannot be self-sufficient out of nothing, it needs time and stabilising.

There comment is ignorant, it does not take other factors into account. But I guess that is a hollow arguement for you.

[Socialsmo o Muerte]

I agree to an extent, ctenthar.

Personally, I think that a country can never and should never endorse self sufficiency, however your view appears to be that it should happen, but should be given time.

I think world trading is a good thing.

[dsmtuner]

World trading is a good thing, it makes countries richer.

[Socialsmo o Muerte]

Money as the be all and end all of society....ay dsmtuner?

Such naivety brings a smile to my face.

[kelvin]

Quote: from Cthenthar on 3:40 am on June 23, 2003
I suppose the idea is that a communist state should be self-sufficient, however all attepted 'communist' countires have, or do trade with other countries. The DPRK does, though extremely regulated. Cuba does, evident in the huge arguement over the US blockade.

Theoretically I suppose what the cappies say is true, albeit a socialist (I use this in the sense of a intermediate government) country cannot be self-sufficient out of nothing, it needs time and stabilising.

There comment is ignorant, it does not take other factors into account. But I guess that is a hollow arguement for you.


To refine the answer a bit. Communist countries had the Soviet Trade Block. US embargos do not prohibit communist countries from trading with each other. US and allies in general frowned or outright embargoed trade with communist countries.

A question I pose to you? The communst trade block had so many natural resources and open trade with each other. They had the Caspian oil fields, Siberian minerals, Russian wheat fields, and similiar resources for China. In post WW2 Europe , when free markets rebuilt and their economies exploded, why did the communist economies not follow?

[Severian]

Under communism, there wouldn't be "trading", global or otherwise.

Nor would there be countries, communism makes sense only as a global system.

Even for countries in the transition from capitalism to socialism, there is no way for them to be wholly "self-sufficient"....and why would they want to be?

That doesn't mean that they should have "trade relations" with each other in the capitalist sense. "Trade" within the country is being replaced with other forms of production and distribution, why would it continue between countries?

[The Feral Underclass]

Communist countries or areas would become self sufficient in the sense that everyone would be provided for with the basic things that they need.

But what about things like DVD players and kettles. CD players and cameras. They are probably not on the top of the list for things to do, but they are products of human intelligence. Should everyone have a DVD player? do you think these things would be relevant in a communist society

Would each area have a DVD factory? How far would self sufficiency go? and If these areas were self sufficient, do you think that trade would come in the guise of information and ideas?