Unbridled economic competition in communist systems

Despite the rejection in communist doctrine of the profit-motive base for an economic system (capitalism) and hence of competition, former socialist countries competes externally to gain trading agreements and influence in other countries. Prestige production items were exported and were not necessarily available on the domestic market. Internationally exchangeable foreign currency was sought in order to conduct foreign trade despite the outcry raised against capitalist finance and the false exchange value of money and commodities under the capitalist system. Communist economic competition lead to conflict between different communist ideologies and was used as a means of propaganda. A number of former socialist countries introduced capitalist-style bonuses and other production incentives for workers. This created confusion concerning the authority of Marxist-Leninist teachings and weakened allegiance to the state.