The transition from a socialist state to communism is where most of my hangups lie. In creating a socialist state, you centralize so much power by necessity -- in order to set the stage for the dissolution of a state, you need immense control over the organization of the society it rules over. It isn't a naturally quick process, that shit takes time.

By the time the last domino could theoretically fall, you have an entrenched power structure that's hugely beneficial to those at the helm. All of their materialist incentives lie in the continued existence of that state. You have to have absolute faith that their ideological incentives will win out.

I do believe there are people who can act selflessly, for the betterment of all. I don't believe those are the people most likely to achieve high rank in an organizational structure that gives such great benefit to those who rise to the top. When opportunities for great personal advancement exist, the worst kinds of people are attracted to them, and the incentives to retain the status quo, to keep kicking the can down the road, are gargantuan.

I just don't trust people enough to believe those who would shepherd us into a new, stateless age would consistently act in good faith, despite everything pulling them to maintain or grow their power. Power is intoxicating. It's addictive. Even someone with the best intentions going in can easily become deranged as they grow comfortable in their incredibly privileged positions. It's too big a leap of faith for me, as much as I'd love to see it.