To revive the fortunes of socialism, the articulation of a credible and attractive alternative is absolutely essential. Offering an original synthesis of socialism and republicanism, The Constitution of Socialism discusses how society can move beyond capitalism. It outlines an institutional and political framework for a socialist future, in which collective decision-making about the use and allocation of resources directly responds to social interests. By means of institutional design, this study explores the feasibility criteria of post-capitalism and sketches the contours and features of a viable model of socialism.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Glossary
1 Introduction
1The Crisis of Socialism Goodbye Lenin!
2Overview
Part 1 Diagnosis
2 Socialism in Theory Promise and Possibilities
1The Communist Mode of Production and Distribution
2Economic Calculation under Socialism
3 Socialism in Practice The Soviet Model
1The Experience of War Communism
2General Features of Soviet Planning
3Material Balances
4The System of Norms
5Reforming the System From Optimism to Cynicism
Addendum: Sharing in the Illusion On the Question of State-Capitalism
4 Socialism in Practice The Yugoslav Model
1Laying the Groundwork
2Toward Self-Governing Socialism
3Bottom-Up Planning and Collapse
5 Socialism in Theory, Again
1Back to the Drawing Board
2The Community of Citizens
3Contradictions of Market and Plan The Menu of Options
4Negotiated Co-ordination and Allocation
5Participatory Planning of Production and Consumption
6Big Computer and Labour Time
7Multilevel Programming
Part 2 Remedy
6 Governance in the Socialist Republic
1Socialist Constitutionalism and the Social Contract
2Political Institutions and Practices of Self-Government
3The Role of Central Planning
Addendum 1: A Note on Public Safety, Crime, and National Defence
Addendum 2: A Note on Organised Political Activity Under Socialism
7 Production in the Socialist Republic
1Public Property and Public Domination
2Three Public Sectors
3Self-Government in Industry Workers Councils
8 General Planning and Parametric Control
1Cost Accounting khozraschet
2Planning, Prices, Allocation
3Co-ordination, Investment, Uncertainty
4Labour Incentives
5The Dynamics of Growth
Addendum: On the Possibilities for Progressive Socialisation
Part 3 Conclusions
9 Postscript
1Closing Remarks
2What I Hope to Have Imparted to the Reader
3Moving Forward Along the Long and Winding Road
References
Index
Tim Platenkamp obtained his master's degree from the University of Amsterdam in 2020, specializing in political theory. He is currently employed as a trade unionist.
