Catherine Samary, born 7 August 1945, received her PhD in economics in 1986, at the University of Paris X: Nanterre. She was later a research associate at the Institut du Monde Soviétique et d'Europe Centrale et Orientale (IMSECO).

Her scientific research have been focused on:

1. theoretical and practical questions of socialism
2. analysis of the Yugoslav and other so-called socialist experiences and in particular the implications of their reforms and crises
3. issues concerning planning, market relationship of property, democracy
4. globalisation and the capitalist restoration - comparative aspects, theoretical questions
5. Criteria of efficiency and social justice in economy

She is a frequent contributor to Le Monde Diplomatique and have written several books.

 Samary is a founding member of Espace Marx and a member of the scientific council of the French association ATTAC.

Selected publications:

Le marche contre l'autogestion (Paris, PubliSud/La Breche, 1988)

"Plan, market and democracy: the experience of the so-called socialist countries" (Amsterdam, International Institute for Research and Education, Notebook No. 7/8, 1988)

Yugoslavia Dismembered (translated by Peter Drucker, Monthly Review Press, New York, 1995)

And she contributed an article to Gilbert Achcar's collection on The Legacy of Ernest Mandel.