21世紀の今日、社会主義は既に時代から取り残されたイデオロギーで未来はないのでしょうか。社会主義の歩みを振り返り、キューバの共産主義やスウェーデンの社会民主主義を例に上げながら、国際的な視点から現代社会主義の功罪について解き明かします。新版はフェミニズム、気候変動、直接行動に対する社会主義の従来の概念に対する新左翼の挑戦に言及するほか、南米と欧州の事例を引き、21世紀の社会主義像が展望されている現状を論じる新章を追加しています。
   

• Considers the major theories in socialism, and explores its historical evolution from the French Revolution to the present day
• Considers the impact of New Left on such questions as feminism, green issues, and direct action
• This edition includes a new chapter on alternative approaches to socialism in the 21st century, with a focus on both Latin America and Europe

     
What is socialism? Does it have a future, or has it become an outdated ideology in the 21st century?
  
This Very Short Introduction considers the major theories in socialism, and explores its historical evolution from the French Revolution to the present day. Michael Newman argues that socialism has always been a diverse doctrine, while nevertheless containing a central core of interconnected values and goals: a critique of capitalism; an optimistic view of human beings; and the belief that it is possible to establish societies based on egalitarianism, social solidarity, and co-operation. In this new edition, he draws on case studies such as Cuba, Sweden, and Bolivia, to consider attempts to implement socialism in practice, before discussing New Left challenges to conventional notions of socialism on such questions as feminism, climate change, and direct action. Rejecting the widespread view that socialism is an out-dated doctrine, Newman argues that it remains ultimately relevant in today's world.