The study evaluates the Kadar regime as a sub-type of state socialism. Following a short description of state socialism, the authors analyse the world system relations which also set the place of the Kadar system. The article touches on the issue of the basis of this system. Discussing the after-life of the Kadar era, the authors identify with the standpoint that places the roots of much of the present phenomena of politics in the Kadar period.

The well known scholar of 1956 is sceptical concerning whether the changes in Eastern Europe will indeed lead to democracy. He criticises the analogies with Latin America in this regard. After providing a short description of state socialisms, he expounds that in his view, the history of authoritarian systems is continuing in East Europe. He refers to the failures of privatisation and the stabilisation of the position of the new elite. He describes the rapid disillusionment with the new parties, the improbability of the economic catching up and the necessity of the emer­gence of new class conflicts.

Lefebvre too, argues for self-management and the self-rule of the "civil society" against the limited democracy of parliamentarism.

Löwy characterises Lefebvre as a romantic. He proves the correctness of this idea through his opposition to modernisation and his romantic approach to revolution.