Which Socialism? - (Marxism, Socialism and Democracy) by Norberto Bobbio (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Can democracy provide a path to socialism? Can civil rights and democratic institutions be protected and developed in a socialist society? Does our view of the nature and value of democracy affect our understanding of socialism itself? In a world with regimes which profess to be socialist, which socialism is worth defending today?

In this powerful and provocative volume, Norberto Bobbio re-examines the uneasy relation between socialism and democracy. He argues that Marxist theory has failed to provide an adequate account of the nature and role of the state in socialist society and defends the concept of representative democracy. Bobbio's arguments sparked off a lively debate in Italy; this volume includes a reply by Antonio Negri. The volume also includes an essay by Bobbio on Marxism and international relations, and his classic text on Gramsci's conception of civil society.

From the Back Cover

Can democracy provide a path to socialism? Can civil rights and democratic institutions be protected and developed in a socialist society? Does our view of the nature and value of democracy affect our understanding of socialism itself? In a world with regimes which profess to be socialist, which socialism is worth defending today?

In this powerful and provocative volume, Norberto Bobbio re-examines the uneasy relation between socialism and democracy. He argues that Marxist theory has failed to provide an adequate account of the nature and role of the state in socialist society and defends the concept of representative democracy. Bobbio's arguments sparked off a lively debate in Italy; this volume includes a reply by Antonio Negri. The volume also includes an essay by Bobbio on Marxism and international relations, and his classic text on Gramsci's conception of civil society.

Review Quotes

'...the excellent introduction sets the stage for readers unfamiliar with Italian politics... Bobbio's intelligence and clarity hold their own and this publication can only enhance his growing reputation.'
New Statesman

About the Author

Norberto Bobbio is Emeritus Professor of Legal and Political Philosophy at the University of Turin.