This introduction traces the historical development of Operaismo in its interaction with social movements. The discussion consciously does not limit itself to Italy but presents the debates within a global framework. The operaist-influenced discussions of the present are extensively illustrated through Hardt/Negri's "Multitude" and "Empire," John Holloway's "Changing the World Without Taking Power," and Paolo Virno's "Grammar of the Multitude." Finally, the influence of post-operaist theory formation on current social movements, such as the Disobbedienti in Italy and the EuroMayday campaign, is explored.