Denial of democracy in communist systems

Ideological, political and religious freedoms are denied in communist systems, censorship is intense and ideological conformity strictly imposed, freedom of movement is denied, political representatives are chosen from one party and directives are given by the political elite, often with a centralized bureaucracy. In most communist countries there is little local autonomy or decision-making. Manifestations of denial of democracy under communism encourage foreign pressure and support for dissenters, which may lead to international conflict. Internally, denial of democracy induces apathy, cynicism, conformism and alienation.