Is the identity of the group/journal “Socialism or Barbarism” intellectual or political? Analysis of the review based on in-depth interviews makes it possible to decide in favour of the second hypothesis; however, the subsequent development of former members who have become intellectuals distorts the image of the collective. Political and social routes have been established: as a generational entity, the group was atypical in its political generation, with its radical rejection of the communist regimes that the evolution of Central Europe should have potential, bearing in mind that the USSR’s criticism had nevertheless been drawn up before, and opposition communism, which was rarely rejected in the extreme left. This is compounded by the value given to self-organisation — but increasingly less and less in a form of ‘Basist ouvrierist’, supported, moreover, by the actions and observations committed and sensitive to the gradual disunity between communists and the working world. The ever-changing approach to conflict is characterised by the abandonment of the initial Marxist component, as well as previous forms of activism. “Socialism or barbarism” becomes virtually a reflection and exchange group around a radical review.