Marxian theory highlights the relationship between political divisions in society and production, and is searching the connection of this relationship to the forms of social consciousness. This study is the introductory chapter of the 2nd volume of the recent monograph of Mészáros dedicated to this complex problem. According to the author, the crux of the matter for the prevailing order is that outsourcing the antagonistic contradictions of the capital system – including its damage caused to nature – does not solve its immanent problems.

After the acute phase of the financial crisis is over (?), austerity measures sweep over European societies, threatening to put an end to welfare systems. The left is still in defence, thus is engaged in useless rearguard actions, instead of radically opposing the system. "Economisation" of all aspects of social and private life is continued but, despite that technology makes almost everything possible the possibility of social change is becoming a taboo so strong that has never been before.

According to the Chinese Marxist expert, who used to believe in free market, the capitalist system is under pressure of permanent accumulation thus it is not compatible with the sustainability of the ecologic system of the globe. Climate stabilising measures would increase the costs of capitalists, would reduce the growth of capital accumulation thus very few countries are willing to undertake serious emission cuts and there is no hegemonic power that would keep the system in check. Substantial social changes are needed.