Introduction

This book is conceived as a broad comparative study of ten countries whose political structure and dominant ideology justify the application of the ‘Marxist State’ label. However, while these countries are ruled by parties strongly influenced by Marxist ideology and vision, their acceptance of and adherence to the Soviet model of communism varies considerably as do their links to the Soviet Union. The levels of centralisation and nationalisation of their economies are also highly varied; nonetheless, the latter can be identified as important ideological ingredients in the party philosophy and policies within each country.