Ernie, ma' Lord..,
Communism in it's pure form (a commune) is almost totally democratic; but, as a state (i.e.: Russia) - it becomes dictatorial when the "management" takes on the air of a Stalinist regime; usually enforced by the actions secret police (NKVD/KGB), backed up by the military. Stalin was, for all intents and purposes, a dictator of a communist/socialist state. Apart from Stalin, the "Chairman" was supposed to be elected.
A dictatorship, like an unlimited monarchy, is controlled by one person - who cannot be removed by other than choice, death, a coup, or an overthrow; and is usually characterized as malevolent. I.e. Qaddafi/Castro/Papa Doc. Again, the government is usually sustained by the workings of a secret police force/military, which does not answer to any general process of law.
The distinctions are pretty slim, and usually lost the likes of the person you're questioning.
Suffice it to say, that the lifespan of either is limited by the tollerance of the people. And, their tollerance is generally driven by their exposure to more advantageous economics (i.e.: profit).
Of course, we could drag out the encyclopedia and dictionary - but not tonight..!! :-)
John :-)
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