The New World Order and the Socialist Agenda

Abstract

Not only have specific 20th century socialist movements and regimes run their course, but even the idea of socialism, of a future transcending capitalism, is one whose time allegedly has passed. In the conception of the new world order, humankind has no viable alternative to global capitalism. Upon this foundation and within its clearly established limits, humankind may aspire, at most, to be ruled according to the tenets of liberal democracy along the lines practised today by the leading capitalist states: this is the furthest point humanity may justly and rationally seek to reach. Can this discourse be refuted? Can the conservative political forces which make use of it be challenged? Can the idea of a socialist future - and strategies appropriate to serious attempts at getting there - be relaunched in the face of the 'new world order'? These are questions that must be addressed by socialists today.