The book discusses the advantages and disadvantages of two types of socio-economic systems: free market economies with minimal intervention by the state and economies with substantial intervention by the state in the economy. Particular cases are discussed in some detail: the USA, the ex-Soviet Union, China, former Yugoslavia and Vietnam. The book describes desirable features that an optimum society should have, discusses how change may be realized and reflects on the chances that such change to an optimum society might take place.