Topics of the articles of this issue vary considerably but almost all of them are common in dealing with the fundamental contradictions of the capital system and capitalism, which are undermining the framework of human life. From Holocaust to the global crisis, the reader can find thorough analyses on the chances of escaping by social production as well as on cultural resistance. The debate on the world-systems analysis of Wallerstein is also continued. A series of photos, as a new feature of Eszmélet, present the artwork of Éva Keleti. We recommend reading on Auschwitz, the ghetto, defaulting states and the world system, economic collapse, Beatles, global crisis, postcoloniality and on escaping the grip of the state and capital.

"There was no way for me to disagree, and I still fully agree that the world economy should be interpreted as an organic system, which produces uneven and even polarising development, since I myself also explained the gap in international development in the context of the historic development of the world economy. But there was no way for me not to criticise the absolute and exclusive interpretation of the world systems analysis of Wallerstein […] and the explanation of the emergence of the capitalist market economy by a historic accident: by a certain unlash of the creative forces of the ruling elite, […] or rooting unequal exchange in monopolisation and making it the main form of international exploitation, and the idea that running out pre-capitalist reserves will finally limit the global accumulation of capital."

The author looks at the world-systems analysis as a recent, up-to-date and adequate form of the Marx rooted critical social theory – contrary to Wallerstein himself, who regards his attempts as establishing a new and interdisciplinary science, although in its direct factors of emergence giving credits to elements of the Marxian tradition. The world-systems analysis, nevertheless offers a fruitful and rich insight, with several players, which can be tested against reality.

In its critique, the essay points out the wrong approach of the theory by Wallerstein, illustrating it by the example of looking at the causes of falling profit rates, making the critique practical. According to the author, Wallerstein over emphasizes the role of cognitive factors by analysing world systems separately. It dissolves human history as it is and by neglecting the labour theory of value it does not provide a valid and practical solution for explaining falling profit rates.