Depends a lot on where you live. In many countries, communism is simply considered “radical/violent” rather than “authoritarian”, and one is not considered a leftist of any sort unless they defend a leftist stance on the economy (progressive views on social issues may not be described as leftist everywhere).
The authoritarian left and the liberal left have so little in common that it’s frustrating the term “left” encompasses both.
Depends a lot on where you live. In many countries, communism is simply considered “radical/violent” rather than “authoritarian”, and one is not considered a leftist of any sort unless they defend a leftist stance on the economy (progressive views on social issues may not be described as leftist everywhere).
And the authoritarians try to reconcile this issue by saying we liberals are actually on the right. How wonderful!
It’s a simple fact.