The Neo-Communist Manifesto

The all-out rejection of communist states and communist theory was an example of intellectual laziness. With the fall of the Berlin Wall and the implosion of the USSR, the West's rejection of all that smacked of socialism or communism was bolstered all the more, but that rejection was already close to complete at the time when the abuses of these states first became known.

However, if we begin by developing a fair and complete description of the worldview of communism, one that would have allowed Marx and most other communists to recognize themselves, we might actually conclude that they were onto something. No grand theory looks quite as good in practice as it does on paper, but an honest appraisal sees elements here that would help society today.

The descriptive part is followed by a chapter in which the author evaluates the theory in the light of recent historical developments and current needs. What has to be rejected and what continues to be useful or even necessary? The result of such an analysis would constitute the core of a new, purified communist manifesto.

This book seeks to set the record straight as to what communism means, what it was meant to mean, and what it could mean. The author proposes we give it some fresh thought in the context of economies smashed by the invisible hand of the market, and explores how a "neo-communism" would compare to the winner-take-all capitalism that is eating the globe today.

It all adds up to a thoughtful, precise, and provocative read.