What is Maoism?
Mao Zedong's variant of communism: peasant revolution, mass campaigns and self-reliance.
On our 12-axis map it is defined by collective ownership (98%), secular faith (96%), planned markets (95%) and authority rule (90%), and stays fairly neutral on tradition and technology. On the two-axis compass it falls in the Authoritarian Left area.
What Maoism stands for
Wealth and key industries should be shared, taxed and run more democratically.
Religion is a private matter and should stay out of law and government.
Governments should steer prices, jobs and investment toward public goals.
Capable, stable leadership matters more than frequent votes or public approval.
Authoritarian Left
Economic -9.3 · Social +8 (−10 to +10).
Biggest difference: nation — Maoism is more national (60% vs 38%).
Biggest difference: ownership — Maoism is more collective (98% vs 30%).
Biggest difference: ownership — Maoism is more collective (98% vs 40%).
Nearest historical thinkers: Niccolò Machiavelli (73%), Thomas Hobbes (71%) and Confucius (67%).
Maoism, axis by axis
Government
World
Economy
Society
Profiles are simplified summaries of mainstream positions; real movements vary by country and era. Methodology.
FAQ
Is Maoism left or right?
On the classic political compass Maoism sits at economic -9.3 and social +8 (−10 to +10), which places it in the Authoritarian Left area. Economically it leans toward equality and collective ownership.
What does Maoism believe?
Mao Zedong's variant of communism: peasant revolution, mass campaigns and self-reliance. Its most defining positions are collective on ownership, secular on faith, planned on markets and authority on rule.
What ideologies are similar to Maoism?
The closest profiles on our 12 axes are Marxism–Leninism (89% similar), Authoritarian Capitalism (69% similar) and Fascism (historical) (69% similar).
Am I a Maoism supporter?
Take the free 12 Axes test: your result shows your match percentage with Maoism and 30 other ideologies.