Speaking out against the myths of the 1990s, especially those associated with neo-liberalism, this text offers a defence of the public interest. Standing up for the interests of the powerless, this text aims to be a plea for a new internationalism.

A powerful plea for a new internationalism which would seek to defend the public interest and the social rights of ordinary people against the new prophets of the marketplace, this important and timely book by one of Europe's most outstanding intellectuals deserves to be widely read.

To the Reader. The left hand and the right hand of the State. Sollers tel quel.
The status of foreigners: a shibboleth. Abuse of power by the advocates of reason. The train driver's remark. Against the destruction of a civilization. The myth of "globalization" and the European welfare state. The thoughts of Chairman Tietmeyer. Social scientists, economic science and the social movement. For a new internationalism. Return to television. The government finds the people irresponsible. Job insecurity is everywhere now. The movement of the unemployed, a social miracle. The negative intellectual. Neo-liberalism, the utopia (becoming a reality) of unlimited exploitation. References.