This volume of the Socialist Register critically examines the state of socialist thought and practice in the mid-1980s, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing the left in a period of significant global political and economic shifts. The authors, prominent socialist intellectuals, draw upon historical analysis and contemporary political developments to argue for a renewed and relevant socialist strategy. The work is structured as a collection of essays, each addressing a distinct facet of socialist theory and its application.

The Socialist Register series has historically been a significant platform for critical socialist analysis, and this 1985/86 volume continues that tradition. It is regarded as a key text for understanding the intellectual currents within the socialist movement during a period of ideological flux and political realignment. The collection offers a rigorous engagement with complex theoretical issues, providing valuable insights for scholars and activists interested in the evolution of socialist thought.