Ok, so you’re right; however, I think there are a number people who would say that a country should be free to try things that don’t work. Freedom to do stupid things, interestingly enough, is fundamental to capitalism.

Yes, because countries under Communist leadership are always free to try other things that don't work.

The idea isn't that Western democracy and capitalism are the only legitimate forms of government. But the fact that a disproportionate amount of Communist states are complete dictatorships with no mechanism to go in any other direction (no open elections, etc.) So choosing Communism becomes an irreversible decision. So it's Communism, not capitalism, that is fearful of other ways of doing things.

By the way, I personally agree with most of the points you’ve been making throughout this thread.

Thanks, it's good to know I'm not alone here.