In the first volume of the series "Passagen Gespräche," Alain Badiou unfolds his arguments in conversation with Peter Engelmann against the backdrop of current societal crisis scenarios, explaining why he clings to the idea of communism despite negative historical experiences. Central themes include the anticipation of a stateless communism, the problematic nature of the concept of democracy, and the analysis of capitalism as a pathological system. In discussing his political philosophy, Badiou also addresses current socio-political phenomena and developments such as the Arab Spring and the situation in China. The conversation not only provides a highly relevant contribution to the question of alternative societal organization but also offers an introduction to Badiou's philosophical thinking and explains his central concepts in the context of contemporary discussions.