Originally published underground in 1986 and long unavailable in print, Unequal Exchange and the Prospects of Socialism is one of the clearest, most uncompromising anti-imperialist texts of the late 20th century. Written by the Communist Working Group (CWG) in Denmark, the book offers a sharp and accessible analysis of how global capitalism extracts value from the Global South through unequal exchange, and how that extraction shapes class complicity within the imperial core.

This new edition from Iskra Books restores the original text—complete with Arghiri Emmanuel’s introduction—alongside a new prologue and epilogue by longtime anti-imperialist organizer and CWG member Torkil Lauesen, and a fresh preface by Henry Hakamäki and Nemanja Lukic. Together, these excellent additions situate the text in its historical moment while clarifying its relevance to the contradictions of global capitalism today.

Far more than a critique, this book is a call to action, challenging revolutionaries in the Global North to confront their material position in the imperial order—and to take seriously the kind of politics demanded by real solidarity. Unapologetically internationalist and rooted in material analysis, Unequal Exchange and the Prospects of Socialism remains essential reading for anyone serious about dismantling empire from within.

$20 / £16 / €19 (Softcover)
$25 / £20 / €23 (Jacketed Hardcover)

Communist Working Group
Arghiri Emmanuel, Original Introduction
Torkil Lauesen, New Prologue & Epilogue
Henry Hakamaki & Nemanja Lukic, New Preface

Binding: Softcover, Jacketed Hardcover
ISBN: 979-8-3492-7733-7 (Softcover), 979-8-3492-5968-5 (Jacketed Hardcover)
Size: Demy Octavo (5.5" x 8.5")
Page Count: 238 pages
Publication Date: 16 April 2025

A searing indictment of global capitalism—and a blueprint for revolutionary solidarity from inside the imperial core.