The author speculates on perspectives of a global socialist revolution and searches subjective factors underlying it. Taking for granted the structural crisis of world capitalism, he calls upon classical answers to provide solutions, such as the philosophically most developed Marxism of History and Class Consciousness (1923) – especially focusing on the dilemma whether messianic Marxism is still applicable in today's conditions.

The concept of "transition" has become an ideological category, which serves to erase and conceal all such phenomena of the period called "post-socialist", which reveal the inhumanity of this process in the Balkans and elsewhere. "Being transitory" excuses the anti-democratic practices transitory societies, and increasing exploitation excessively.

Neoliberal economists claim that globalisation triggered growth will improve the quality of environment in the long run. On the other hand, almost all practicing environment protectors say that negative ecological effects far outweigh benefits. Countries exposed to the increasing global competition are routinely forced to loosen their environmental regulations. International specialisation is often damaging to the environment and leads to monocultures in farming. Economic globalisation and the current wasteful mode of production mutually reinforce each other.

Table of contents

1. Szigeti Péter, Szalai Erzsébet, Lugosi Győző, Wiener György : Exploring world systems (Global “open competition” – the current stage of world capitalism)
2. Mészáros István : Farewell to Harry Magdoff
3. Marsovszky Magdolna : Anti-Semitism: “Negative aspects of a positive programme”
4. Gyenyisz Leonyidovics Babicsenko : Residency in the Soviet Union (Yuri Andropov’s official biography rather resembles to a cover story of a professional spy)
5. Sziklai László : After the End – On The Auschwitz Album. Story of a Transport
6. Robin Blackburn : A visionary pragmatist: Rudolf Meidner, 1914 – 2005
7. Istvánffy András : Resistance and the centre of the structure
8. Paul Blackledge : A critique of “anti-Leninist” anti-capitalism
9. Alekszandr Nyikolajevics Taraszov : World Revolution. A return to the strategy of global revolution also integrating 20th century’s experience
10. Bartók Gyula : Will a global socialist revolution come?
11. Rastko Močnik : Social changes in the Balkans
12. Boda Zsolt : Environmental effects of economic globalisation

A conversation on Péter Szigeti's book. Participants of the public discussion hosted by the Friends of Eszmélet were: Péter Szigeti, György Wiener, Erzsébet Szalai, Győző Lugosi.