The formulation of the question of socialism in this work is extremely generalized, which is dictated by the desire to reveal the prospects of socialism at the turn of the third millennium. This task made it necessary to highlight the common features of the main forms of socialism of the 20th century: Western Social Democracy and Marxism-Leninism. They are described in the book as forms of industrial socialism, which is characterized by a belief in scientific and technological progress, social optimism, and a bet on the proletariat in social transformations. However, the industrial era is currently experiencing severe shocks that require a change in the theoretical paradigm of socialism. The latter acquires other goals, focuses on other social forces and, while maintaining the demand for equality, places, in comparison with socialism of the 20th century, a much stronger emphasis on the idea of freedom. ***The monograph was prepared at the IF RAS in the sector of political philosophy. Foreword and 3 of Chapter I written by Dr. Philos. Science and . K. Pantinum; introduction, 1 of Chapter II, 1,2,3 of Chapter III and conclusion - cand. philos. Science E. A. Samarskaya; 1,2 of Chapter I cand. philos. Science Ballaev; 2 Chapter II and 4 Chapter III Cand. philos. Science M. M. Fedorova; 3 of Chapter II Cand. philos. Science A. N. Milk. Publication preparation group:Director - Domingo Marin Rikoi . Deputy Directors — Natalia Finogenova, Irina Makeeva . Computer Design by Victor Romanov . Layout by Natalia Beketova . Editorial and proofreading works — Elena Kudryashova . Text processing — Leonid Iosylevich, Elena Efremova, Evgeny Makarov, Anna Tyurina . Technical support — Marina Krutsko