Why Communism Failed

‘If you want to understand how communism turned from vision to nightmare–and why Western students and intellectuals still cling to the idea–you need look no further than this useful book.’ – Eamonn Butler, Director, Adam Smith Institute‘Communism has made an unlikely comeback as a “hip” youth movement: it is now considered “cool” to be a communist. Supporters of capitalism need to learn how to re-fight the old battles that we wrongly thought we had won. This book shows us how to do that.’ – Kristian Niemietz, Head of Political Economy, Institute of Economic Affairs‘At a time when capitalism faces increasing scrutiny for its undeniable flaws, Becker’s book on the failures of communism starkly reminds us that there is no better alternative.’ – Edoardo Campanella, Research Director of the Taskforce on Global Capitalism in Transition, Trilateral Commission

Jasper Becker lived in and reported from Beijing for eighteen years, including as bureau chief for the South China Morning Post. A Mandarin-speaker, he has written on China for The Guardian, The Economist and The Spectator. He is the author of ten books including the acclaimed Hungry Ghosts: Mao’s Secret Famine.