Term used by the Soviet dictator Stalin and his supporters to define their own views as the orthodox position of Marxism as a means of refuting criticism. It has subsequently been employed by other communist parties as a yardstick for ideological purity.
The star depicts Liberia as a shining light. The blue canton symbolizes the dark continent of Africa. The stripes represent the 11 signatories to the Declaration of Independence. Effective date: 26 July 1847.