The French author starts out from the rejection of the economic reduction of Marxism, the illusion of a synthesis of interests avoiding tension and the individualized capitalist society which has used up its possibilities, and raises the possibility of a development towards self-government both in the East and West.

The article of the book Gesellschaft und Bürger describes the self-government rights in the companies of Federal Germany: the scope of rights of the factory council, the debates concerning self-government in the legislation; deducting the factory self-government rights from the principle of freedom in society.

Production independence in the USA. The long term trend of taking the companies in hand in the American economy. Higher level rationality of workers' ownership.

Instead of the better known ecological aspects, here is focus on the markedly left-wing social policy of the Greens, as basic democracy (self-government) is just as an important element of the Green movement as environmental protection.

Introduction of a radical, pro-perestroika Soviet „new left" group and their leader, Boris Kagarlitski. Their proposals to push back state socialism. A manifestation of representing self-government in the Soviet Union.