Why Marxism? -- On a democracy that has never existed -- The socialism of the third industrial revolution -- The third world and permanent revolution -- The era of continents.

"Are theories of Marxism valid for our time [1964]? In this book, Gilles Martinet outlines the major Marxist political theories from the time of the Paris Commune, and Analyzes their relationship to later events. He examines, in particular, Lenin's work State and Revolution and Trotsky's theory of permanent revolution. From this study, Martinet concludes that parts of Marxist theory are outmoded and not relevant to situations of today, but that other parts are of great value in illuminating our problems and helping to solve them. As a Frenchman, Gilles Martinet is particularly interested in the creation of a "third force" in Europe which would be independent of the two power blocs, envisaging a situation in which this third force could turn to socialism and play a major role in helping the underdeveloped countries build socialist economies too. Martinet is the editor-in-chief of France Observateur, a leading left-wing weekly in Paris. He is also one of the founders of the new political part in France - the Parti Socialiste Unitaire - which has attempted, through unification of the different socialist factions, to create a new left in France." --From dust jacket.

Translated from French into English.