45 Communist Goals vs Social Justice

Critical Theory and Social Justice Movements have become dominant forces in Western political discourse in recent years. While these movements claim to promote equality, justice, and fairness, their actions and ideologies bear striking similarities to the strategies and goals of Communist regimes. A closer examination, particularly when viewed through the lens of the 45 Communist Goals outlined in 1963 by Cleon Skousen in The Naked Communist, reveals that these modern movements may be undermining democracy in ways that echo the communist playbook.

This article aims to highlight the troubling parallels between the tactics of Critical Theory and Social Justice Movements and the 45 Communist Goals, offering a warning that these movements may be laying the groundwork for authoritarian control, all while disguising themselves under the banner of progressive change.

Critical Theory, with roots in Marxist ideology, critiques societal power structures, arguing that they perpetuate inequality and oppression. Social Justice Movements, meanwhile, focus on dismantling these power structures—whether they relate to race, gender or identity. Both movements seek to reshape society by redefining norms, values, and systems of governance.

The 45 Communist Goals: A Blueprint for Subverting Democracies

The 45 Communist Goals are a list of objectives allegedly pursued by communist actors to infiltrate and destabilise democracies. These goals focus on weakening institutions, fostering division, and controlling the narrative—tactics that eerily align with the current actions of Critical Theory advocates and Social Justice activists.

Let’s explore how these Communist goals are reflected in today’s progressive movements.

1. Weakening the Family and Religious Institutions

Communist Goal #40 seeks to “discredit the family as an institution,” while Goal #27 aims to “infiltrate churches and replace revealed religion with ‘social’ religion.” In modern Social Justice rhetoric, the family unit is often portrayed as a tool of patriarchal oppression. Traditional family values are frequently deconstructed, with alternative family structures promoted as more equitable.

Similarly, religious institutions have come under attack, particularly Christianity, which is often characterised as a force of oppression. The rise of secularism and the decline of religious influence mirror the Communist goal of undermining moral and spiritual foundations in society. Today, religious teachings are increasingly being replaced with the moral dogma of Social Justice ideologies, which often present themselves as superior moral frameworks.

2. Control Over Education and Media

Critical Theory has firmly entrenched itself in educational institutions, from universities to public schools. This aligns with Communist Goal #17, which calls for gaining control over schools, and Goal #20, which seeks to “infiltrate the press” to control the narrative. Social Justice ideologies dominate curricula, from Critical Race Theory to gender studies, shaping how young people view the world.

By teaching students to see society through the lens of oppression and victimhood, these movements instil a worldview that is divisive and cynical. The emphasis on “lived experience” over objective facts and the framing of Western history as primarily one of oppression and exploitation contributes to a generation increasingly distrustful of its own democratic systems.

Moreover, Goal #21 calls for “control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.” Today, much of the mainstream media and entertainment industry actively promote Social Justice narratives, reinforcing the same divisive frameworks seen in education. Whether through news outlets, films, or television shows, the media’s focus is often on amplifying the grievances of oppressed groups and highlighting the flaws of Western democracies, while offering little in the way of positive solutions or unifying narratives.

3. Discrediting the Constitution and Promoting Moral Relativism

Communist Goal #29 aims to “discredit the Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, and out of step with modern needs.” In today’s political discourse, especially in progressive circles, there is a growing movement to view constitutional principles—such as free speech, due process, and equality before the law—as outdated or insufficient to address modern issues like systemic racism or inequality.

Furthermore, Goal #30 seeks to “discredit the American Founding Fathers.” This tactic is evident in the way Social Justice Movements frame historical figures through the lens of present-day moral standards, often reducing their legacies to their participation in slavery or other historical injustices. Rather than recognising the complexity of historical figures and the evolution of democratic ideals, these figures are vilified, and the principles they championed are cast aside.

Additionally, Goal #25, which seeks to “break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV,” mirrors the current push for moral relativism, where traditional norms around sexuality and morality are challenged or dismissed as repressive. The focus on dismantling traditional values aligns with the broader goal of destabilising society’s moral foundations.

4. Fostering Division Along Identity Lines

One of the most concerning parallels between Communist goals and modern Social Justice Movements is the emphasis on fostering division. Goal #26 calls for “presenting homosexuality, degeneracy, and promiscuity as ‘normal, natural, and healthy,’” while Goal #20 aims to “infiltrate the press.” Modern Social Justice advocates focus heavily on dividing people by race, gender, and sexual identity, promoting a worldview in which society is composed of oppressors and oppressed.

Identity politics, a key feature of Social Justice Movements, pits various groups against each other rather than seeking common ground. The focus on intersectionality and oppression hierarchies fractures social cohesion and weakens the sense of shared national identity, making it easier to manipulate the population through fear and grievance.

This division aligns with Goal #19, which calls for using “student riots” to foment social unrest. In recent years, protests and riots have become a regular feature of political expression, often sparked by issues related to race or gender. These events, often portrayed as moral crusades, serve to deepen divisions and disrupt societal order.

5. Subverting National Sovereignty and Patriotism

Communist Goal #15 calls for “capturing one or both of the political parties in the United States.” Today, the adoption of Social Justice ideologies by one of the major political parties, particularly in the United States, demonstrates the success of this tactic. The language of “equity” and “anti-racism” has been embraced at the highest levels of government, shaping policies and discourse.

Moreover, Goal #16 seeks to “use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions.” The push for judicial activism, where courts are used to advance social justice causes, undermines the separation of powers and erodes the foundational principles of democratic governance. Court rulings that bypass legislative processes to enforce progressive policies weaken the rule of law and create a precedent for authoritarian control.

The erosion of national sovereignty is further seen in Goal #4, which calls for eliminating “loyalty oaths.” Today, patriotism and national pride are often portrayed by Social Justice advocates as forms of bigotry or xenophobia. The push for open borders and the demonisation of national identity serve to weaken the cohesion necessary for a functioning democracy. By framing nationalism as inherently dangerous, these movements promote a globalist agenda that undermines the sovereignty of democratic nations.

6. Controlling Language and Censorship

Goal #33, which aims to “eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus,” is reflected in modern Social Justice Movements’ push for censorship. Today, any dissent from Social Justice orthodoxy is often met with accusations of racism, sexism, or other forms of bigotry, effectively silencing opposing viewpoints.

The push to redefine language and control the narrative is a common tactic in both Communist regimes and Social Justice Movements. Terms like “equity,” “privilege,” and “systemic racism” are used to frame the debate, and those who reject these terms are marginalised. This aligns with Goal #20’s aim to control the press and information, ensuring that only one narrative prevails.

parallelS too significant to ignore

The parallels between the 45 Communist Goals and the tactics of Critical Theory and Social Justice Movements are too significant to ignore. Both seek to undermine democratic institutions, control education and media, discredit foundational principles, and foster division within society. Under the guise of progressive change, these movements use the same playbook that communist regimes have used to destabilise and ultimately control democratic societies.

While many who support Critical Theory and Social Justice may have good intentions, the end result is the weakening of democracy, the erosion of individual freedoms, and the entrenchment of authoritarian control. Recognising these tactics is crucial if we are to defend our democratic values and ensure that progress is achieved without sacrificing the very principles that make democracy possible.