Blending the tenets of Marxist theory with many of the more traditional methods of social science, this accessible book is a brief introduction to the major ideas and scholars in the Analytical Marxist school. The author assesses the achievements, strengths and criticisms of the work of Elster, Roemer, Wright and others, examining their writings on class, the state, exploitation and revolution. The book explores the challenge to Marxist thought brought about by contemporary developments in Eastern Europe and suggests how the future of Marxism is shaped by these events.