"The world of politics is coming to an end because there is no one left who can aspire to formulate and implement programmes inspired by a precise and achievable ideal. The world is breaking away from utopia and is guided by forces whose composition no one can scientifically anticipate. The history of the twenty-five years is a clear demonstration of the impossibility of continuing to pursue messianic mirages, which no one can any longer fantasise about, let alone translate into reality. (from “Introduction”, p. 37)"