As explained by the editorial in the first issue, the manifesto magazine is a monthly publication "promoted by a group of people who, even though coming from similar backgrounds (unrepentent long-standing Marxists and Communists, but also unorthadox and rather attentive to new trends and open to discussion) currently maintain different political positions among themselves. The magazine does not sanction the birth of a new political group, nor does it foreshadow the forming of a new organised movement. Above all, it is a place for reflection and debate. The first issue, number zero, reached news-stands in November 1999 and achieved a surprising success in sales which was maintained for subsequent issues (an average of 22,000 with approximately 2000 subscribers). Confirmation of the success was received by the notable and constant attention registered at the numerous meetings and initiatives in various parts of Italy which accompanied the magazine. With a sober layout that deliberately recreates that of the manifesto monthly (in circulation from 1969 to 1971 and the parent of what is now the manifesto daily newspaper), the magazine is principally for political and theoretical debate. It casts its eye over both the Italian and international scene, with the accent on how much is happening among the Left, and particularly among the critical Left. Globalisation in the world of economics receives particular attention, with constant glances at the social and cultural phenomena of our time. The editorial committee is composed by Lucio Magri (director), Giancarlo Aresta, Fausto Bertinotti, Adriana Buffardi, Luciana Castellina, Giuseppe Chiarante, Giorgio Cremaschi, Pietro Ingrao, Filippo Maone, Valentina Parlato, Enrico Pugliese, Rossana Rossanda, Mario Santostasi, Massimo Serafini and Aldo Tortorella.