Russia haven't been communist for decades, and even when they were, they were a global superpower. So for this debate whether or not a state is communist is irrelevant
One interesting development in modern history is the challenges governments face in using propaganda. Gone are the days of governments being able to make false claims of technological innovation. Last year, China made a huge announcement that they had developed a competitor to the Tesla Model S. The vehicle looked very similar to a real Tesla, but it had a slightly different body and interior features. Turns out it was actually a Tesla. The Egyptian government told its people a few years ago that it would develop a machine that they claim could cure AIDS and hepatitis. Turned out to be a complete lie. The Internet has made it possible for average citizens to call shenanigans on lying governments, something I think makes the whole world better.