The Socialist Tradition

"The Socialist Tradition" explores the theoretical origins and historical development of the socialist tradition from the 19th century to the present, focusing on the long-term decline of socialism in the post-World War II period. Carl Boggs examines the constituent elements of democratic socialism, the forms and strategies it has embodied and the material, ideological and historical obstacles it has confronted. He explains the conditions associated with its growth and the shifting of these conditions over the years. He also assesses the prospects today for the reappearance of a strong socialist tradition in the context of global crisis and the collapse of communism. The book traces the long and difficult relationship between socialism and democracy - from Marx's original vision to the organized political formations of social democracy and feminism, to the deradicalization of European socialism and the collapse of communism. Boggs reflects on the decline of socialism in the late 20th century and examines radical alternatives: council communism, the New Left, new social movements and contemporary `green' socialism.