Perspectives on Anarchist Theory, Vol 9, No. 1 – Fall 2005

80 Pages·2013·26.31 MB·English

Perspectives
J. on Anarchist Theory
Anarchism in Bolivia: Through the Writing of Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui
A Mestizo's Identity: Concerning a 1929 Anarchist Manifesto
Translated and introduced by Alejandro de Acosta
A Brief History of Anarchism in Bolivia
Translated and introduced by Melissa Forbis and Cale Lay ton
Equality and the Avoidance of Politics
By Todd May
Four Questions for Anarchist Art
By Josh MacPhee
"Neither Butchers nor Lunatics":
A Roundtable on New Anticapitalist Organizing in Beirut
By Mary Foster and Jerome Klassen
Plus Mark Lance, Ramor Ryan, and Andrea Schmidt on Lnternational Solidarity
Volume 9, Number 1 - Fall 2005 Price $5.00
The IAS Speakers Bureau
Through the IAS Speakers Bureau, your organization can arrange speaking engagements with one
of the dynamic speakers drawn from our network of scholars and activists.
Speakers include
Ashanti Alston, Kazcmbc Balagun, Paul Glavin, Mark Lance, Todd May, Cindy Milstein,
Ramor Ryan, Bill Weinberg
Host organizations will be asked to provide all transportation costs, and an honorarium and lodg
ing. A portion of the honorarium will go to support the work of the IAS, and the rest to support the
work of the speaker.
A complete list of speakers and presentation topics is available on our Web site.
To schedule a speaking engagement, print out the inquiry form available online.
Or contact us:
Institute for Anarchist Studies
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Editorial Committee: John Petrovato and Andrea Schmidt Subscription Rates: Subscriptions are free for IAS donors.
Guest Editors & Editorial Wisdom: Mark Lance, Erika Biddle, USA and Canada: US$10.00 per year. All other countries:
Robert Augman, Louis-Frederic Gaudet, Cindy Milstein US$15.00 per year. Institutions $20 U.S. per year. Bulk copies
are available at a discount. Please make checks payable to:
Layout and Design: Michael Caplan
Institute for Anarchist Studies
Copy Editors: Robert Augman, Erika Biddle, Paul Glavin,
P.O. Box 1664, Peter Stuyvesant Station, NY, NY 10009
Helen Hudson, Cindy Milstein
[email protected]; www.anarchist-studies.org
Production: Alexis Bhagat
The views expressed in Perspectives do not necessarily
IAS Board of Directors: Ashanti Alston, Robert Augman,
represent the views of the IAS as a whole. Perspectives on
Erika Biddle, Alexis Bhagat, Louis-Frederic Gaudet, Paul Anarchist Theory is published by the Institute for Anarchist
Glavin, Helen Hudson, Mark Lance, Brooke Lehman, Cindy Studies.
Milstein, Darini Nicholas, John Petrovato, Andrea Schmidt
ISSN 1715-7552
2 / FALL 2005
Perspectives
J. on Anarchist Theory
Volume 9, Number 1 - Fall 2005
Welcome 4
COLUMNS
What's Happening: Recent Books by John Petrovato 5
Words & Revolution: Regarding a Moratorium on "Freedom" & "Democracy" by Alexis Bhagat 10
FEATURES
Equality & the Avoidance of Politics by Todd May 14
Anarchism in Bolivia: Through the Writing of Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui
A Mestizo's Identity: Concerning a 1929 Anarchist Manifesto
by Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui. Translated and introduced by Alejandro de Acosta 16
The Voice of the Peasant
by Luis Cusicanqui. Translated and introduced by Alejandro de Acosta 18
A Brief History of Anarchism in Bolivia
by Zulema Lehm A. & Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui. Translated and introduced by Melissa Forbis and Cale Lay ton 24
Argentina, December 19th and 20th, 2001: A New Type of Insurrection
by Colectivo Situaciones. Translated and introduced by Nate Holdren and Sebastian Touza 32
Four Questions for Anarchist Art by Josh MacPhee 36
ROUNDTABLE
"Neither Butchers nor Lunatics": New Anticapitalist Organizing in Beirut by Mary Foster and Jerome Klassen 42
TRIPTYCH
International Solidarity by Mark Lance, Ramor Ryan, and Andrea Schmidt 48
BOOK REVIEWS
Reclaiming a "Hidden" Tradition: Is Anarchist Economics Hitting the Mainstream? by Eric Laursen 54
Operaismo, Autonomia, & the Emergence of New Social Subjects by Stevphen Shukaitis 59
Walking on the Edge of Revolt by Louis-Frederic Gaudet 64
Species of Anarchist Memory by Alexander K. Hirsch 69
IAS UPDATES
Summer 2005 Grants Awarded 73
Here's to Chuck! 74
Grant Updates 74
The IAS s 2005 Fundraising Campaign 75
Great Books for IAS Donors 76
Contributors 79
FALL 2005 / 3
Perspectives on Anarchist Theory
Welcome
IAS elsewhere in Perspectives. But it is worth noting here that
been a long time coming. The IAS has undergone his dynamism, rigor, and irreverent sense of humor were gready
This isssuigen iofifc aPnet rtsrapnescfotirvmesa—tionthse o ovenrl yth oen ceo uinrs e2 0o0f 5th—e hpaasst missed in the later stages of the journal's production.
year. In many ways, the fall issue of Perspectives is emblematic of Over the years, Chuck's gift to the IAS has been his
both the changes and continuities within the organization. conviction that anarchism is worth taking seriously, and that
Resistance to global apartheid and empire requires that anarchists can and should develop themselves to become
anarchists and anti-authoritarians link our movements and sophisticated enough to grapple with the contemporary political
organizing efforts along with the lessons we draw from them. crises with which we are confronted. This requires anarchist
With articles and analyses from Buenos Aires to Baghdad, this institutions able to endure the ebbs and flows of movements and
issue tries to offer a modest forum within which to make these ideological popularity—hence Chuck's dedication to the IAS.
connections. It is a celebration of the internationalism that has The many writers with whom he worked as editor of Perspectives
always inspired our projects. and the New Formulation would probably agree that the same
Some of the articles, like the translations of Sylvia attitude shone in Chuck's work on these projects too: he
Cusicanqui s work on anarchist trade unions and mestizo encouraged our writing by demanding a degree of rigor unheard
identity in Bolivia, are windows onto anarchist movements and of in most anarchist circles.
debates that have unfolded in the past. We hope that they will This readiness to take ourselves seriously—tempered with a
provide resources for thinking out contemporary challenges good dose of humility—is vital to our collective work as anti-
and strategies. Others, like the round table on anticapitalist authoritarians at a time when genuinely radical movements in
organizing in Beirut and Josh MacPhee's "Four Questions for North America are immmobilized. (Even the response to the
Anarchist Art," examine contemporary movements and practices. Bush administration's post-Katrina policies—basically, ethnic
They offer a space for critical reflection, for asking questions and cleansing of an area known for its history of resistance to racism
debating answers "as we walk." and slavery—has barely dented that administration's power.) To
Many of the pieces are written or translated by IAS grantees. paraphrase Louis in his review, "Walking on the Edge of Revolt,"
In that sense, this issue is an example of the community of these moments of low activity are precisely those in which
radical writers that the IAS has long sought to nurture. anarchists should build the bases for more sustainable struggles,
This past winter, the IAS decided to decentralize its day- by nurturing institutions founded on the values that we hold
to-day work. It speaks well of that process that this issue dear and developing our critiques of the systems of domination
Perspectives has been so enriched by the talents of many board in which we are enmeshed.
members. In the spring, we welcomed five new people to the The IAS will persist in its efforts to be such an institution.
board: Rob Augman and Erika Biddle (New York), Mark Lance And we leave you to enjoy Perspectives on a self-critical note: As
(Washington, DC), and Louis-Frederic Gaudet and Helen you peruse these pages, you will notice that many of the authors
Hudson (Montreal). Their skills, energy, and vision have already are men, and many are academics. To be worthwhile, Perspectives
expanded the horizon of what is possible. must become a writing and thinking space for a multitude
Sadly, the spring also brought farewells. Michael Caplan, a of anti-authoritarians who are not necessarily supported by
former IAS director, stepped down from the board in order to universities. If you read this journal and feel alienated, or think
pursue new family and work commitments. We will miss his that important issues that should be considered through an
low-key savoir faire and impressive administrative talents, yet anarchist lens have been left out, you probably have an essay to
Michael remains present in these pages, which he laid out and contribute. Please write.
designed. We are grateful for his ongoing support.
Chuck Morse, founder of the IAS, coeditor of Perspectives, Solidarity,
and the veritable backbone of the organization since its
inception, also resigned from the board. His mark is nevertheless
evident in many of this issue's articles, which he edited in earlier
yV\aUc
drafts. We pay tribute to Chucks vision and work with the
4 / FALL 2005
Perspectives on Anarchist Theory
What's Happening
Recent Books
by John Petrovato
pecially remarkable year when
TThe yiet acor m2e0s0 5to hthaes pbuebelicna taionn eosf
quality books on the subject of anar
chism—from new and original pieces by
writers rethinking the anarchist tradition
to writings that have been brought back
from obscurity and reprinted. I will here
briefly review some of the interesting
newcomers within this recent deluge of
books.
Anarchist History
A TV" has recently reprinted a num-
x~\.X\_ber of books by Paul Avrich.
These books were originally published tions. provides newly translated pieces from
by Princeton University Press, and many AK Press has also produced two other Galleani's anarchist newspaper Cronaca
have been out of print for a while. Paul exciting collections this year: Dreams of Sovversiva, printed from the period
Avrich has traditionally been recognized Freedom: A Ricardo Flores Magon Reader 1903-1918. With an introduction by
as one of the best-known historians of and Anarchy Will Be! Selected Writings anarchist historian Barry Pateman.
anarchism, and his views on anarchist ofLuigi Galleani. Compiled and anno Additionally, AK Press has reissued
history are widely respected within the tated by Chaz Bufe and Mitchell Verter, another classic work that has long been
Dreams of Freedom describes the life and out of print: The London Years by Ru
community. Anarchist Voices: An Oral
History of Anarchism in America is not times of Ricardo Flores Magon, who dolph Rocker. Rocker is perhaps best
a conventional historical narrative, but along with Francisco Zapata was one of known in anarchist circles as the author
rather draws from hundreds of interviews the most important figures of the Mexi of Nationalism and Culture—an impres
with anarchists, offering their individual can revolution, and was imprisoned for sive work critiquing nationalism from
voices and perspectives. This reissue by his attempts to build the revolutionary an anarchist perspective—and is widely
AK Press (much more affordable than movement from his position within the recognized as one of the principal theo
the Princeton original) provides extraor United States. This book contains the rists of anarcho-syndicalism. The London
first English translations of his writings, Years is Rocker's autobiographical ac
dinarily rich insights into anarchists who
as well as a chronology, maps, images and count of early 20,h-century London, and
participated in the movement throughout
the 20,h century in America. The col bibliography to provide context. Anarchy it documents his strategics for the cor
lection does not discriminate between Will Be! discusses an important figure in rection of unjust workshop conditions for
the "famous" and "obscure" but, instead, the history of American anarchism—Lu- Jewish immigrants in Britain. Though a
collects all of their voices into a single igi Galleani, an Italian immigrant who German Catholic, Rocker eventually be
was extremely vocal and militant in the came one of the most influential figures
compendium. This book is invaluable
to contemporary anarchists interested battle against wage slavery and for the within the Jewish anarchist milieu.
in historical origins within the United rights of immigrants during the pe A collection of the writings of the
States, and gives us important "real time" riod of the U.S. government's criminal early 20Ih-century American anarchist
Palmer raids. Importantly, the book also Voltairine de Cleyre has just been pub-
insights into previously existing tradi
fall 2005 / 5
Perspectives on Anarchist Theory
lished by State University of New York been published in English. Graham was
driques, Trina Robbins, Sharon Rudahl,
Press. Exquisite Rebel: The Essays of awarded an IAS grant for this anthology and the circle of artists involved with
Voltairine de Cleyre: Feminist, Anarchist, project in January 2004. World War 3 Illustrated.
Genius seeks to bring the essays and Two new books have been released The second new book concerning the
articles of de Cleyre "out of undeserved on the subject of Italian-American anar IWW is Dancinin the Streets: Anarchists,
obscurity." (Evidendy, the editors of chism. The first concerns Carlo Tresca, IWWs, Surrealists, Situationists &Provos
this collection are unaware of the AK one of America's most controversial and in the 1960s. This Charles Kerr publica
Press book published just last year, The charismatic figures of the early 20th cen tion collects dozens of selections from
Voltarine de Cleyre Reader.) Twenty-one tury. Carlo Tresca: Portrait of a Rebel (Pal- IWW magazines Rebel Worker (Chicago)
of her eloquent and incisive works have grave Macmillan) is a biography in which and Heatwave (London) of the 1960s.
been reprinted here, including: "An author Nunzio Pernicone recounts Tres-
Combining an original radical perspec
archism and the American Tradition," ca's life through his many roles: newspa tive rooted in a critique of capital with
"The Dominant Idea" and "Sex Slav per editor, labor agitator and organizer, influences from Surrealism, jazz and
ery." The critical writings of de Cleyre anti-fascist, anarchist, and indomitable poetry—among other things—the beat
focused on an end to women's economic Stalin foe. Eventually murdered by the nik milieu that made up these editorial
dependence, unequal gender roles, and mafia, Tresca had a fascinating life, and groups contributed to innovative social
articulated an important demand for the the biography does that life ample justice. criticism that displayed artistic and play
autonomy of women both within and The most famous Italian-American ful creativity, and was a precursor to the
outside of marriage. Moreover, she of anarchists were, of course, Sacco and Situationist International's emphasis on
fered a radical and original critique of the Vanzetti—two Massachusetts shoe "the revolution of everyday life." In
role of church and state in sustaining the makers who were put to death for their cludes long biographical introductions
existing oppressive conditions for wom politics. Although dozens of books have by the editors, Franklin Rosemont and
en. Three original biographical essays are been published about them and their tri Charles Radcliffe.
also included: two new ones by Sharon al, a new book entided Representing Sacco Finally, one last book on anarchist
Presley and Crispin Sartwell, and a rarely and Vanzetti by Jerome Delamater and history is Anarchism in Hungary: Theory,
reprinted one from Emma Goldman. Mary Anne Trasciatti (Palgrave Macmil History, Legacies. Published by East Eu
From the 1950s through the 1970s, lan) attempts something different. The ropean Monographs in conjunction with
one of the most articulate historians of authors take a unique look into the liter Columbia University Press, the authors
anarchism was George Woodcock. His ary, artistic, and mass-mediated repre examine the various currents of anar
writings included everything from an sentations of Sacco and Vanzetti to show chism in fin-de-siecle Hungary.
archist pamphlets to lengthy histories of how the stereotypes of so-called "foreign
anarchism, as well as analyses of the his ers" and "others" prevailed in the 1920s, Anarchist Theory & Criticism
torical method, poetry and more. Con then use this material to demonstrate
sidered one of Canada's most important how many of these same representations One woof rtkhse t om boes pt uinbfllisuheendti ainl tahnea lractehist
writers, Woodcock is best known within continue to color contemporary percep 20th century was Murray Bookchin's The
radical circles for his book Anarchism: A tions of immigrants and "foreignness." Ecology of Freedom: The Emergence and
Two new books about the IWW Dissolution of Hierarchy. The book had a
History of Libertarian Ideas and Move
ments. Long out of print, this classic (International Workers of the World) major impact on both anarchist and en
work of intellectual history and politi have just been released. The first, Wob- vironmental movements of the 1970s and
cal theory (first published in the 1960s, blies:A Graphic History of the International 1980s. Bookchin's unique insight—and
revised in 1986) is now available from Workers of the World (Verso) by radical the thesis of the book—was that "the
Broadview Encore Editions. historians Paul Buhle and Nichole Schul- very notion of the domination of nature
The first of two volumes of Anar man will be a welcome addition to many by man stems from the very real domina
chism: A Documentary History of Lib anarchist libraries. Published for the tion of human by human." The ideas
ertarian Ideas, edited and introduced centenary of the founding of the IWW, contained within this text later came to
by Robert Graham, has recendy been the history of the organization has here form the theoretical foundation for the
released by Black Rose Books. In addi been both scripted and graphically illus Social Ecology movement. An intricate
tion to carefully chosen selections from trated by seasoned and younger Wobbly historical account of the emergence of
the classical European anarchists, Volume and IWW-inspired artists. Contributors hierarchical relations in society, the book
One: From Anarchy to Anarchism (300CE include: Carlos Cortez (former editor placed anarchist thought in the forefront
to 1939) includes substantial sections on of the Industrial Worker), Harvey Pekar of the emerging ecology movement. AK
Latin American anarchism, as well as (author of American Splendor), Peter Press has just re-released The Ecology of
anarchism in China, Japan and Korea. Kuper, Sue Coe, Seth Tobocman, Chris Freedom with a new foreword by Book-
Much of this material has never before Cardinale, Ryan Inzana, Spain Ro- chin.
6 / fall 2005
What's Happening: Recent Books
us important clues in the process.
Although Noam Chomsky has ac New From
knowledged himself as an anarchist for Gramsci is Dead: Anarchist Currents in
AK PRESS
several years, he never before produced the Newest Social Movements by Richard
a book which spoke directly to anarchist Day will be published by Pluto Press
thought. Most of Chomsky's political in November 2005. Gramsci and the Celebrating 15 Years
writing has focused on critiquing con concept of hegemony cast a long shadow Mention this Perspectives ad and
over radical political theory. Yet how far get 10% off your entire order. 1
temporary forms of power—which has
WWW.AKPRESS.ORG
been extremely important for genera has this theory gotten us? Is it still cen
tions of activists and thinkers. His work tral to feminism, anti-capitalism, anti-
historically has exhibited very clear and racism, anarchism and other radical so CHOMSKY ON ANARCHISM
meticulously documented accounts of cial movements today? Unlike previous
Noam Chomsky
social injustice, capitalism, imperial revolutionary movements, Day argues, ^ D
ism and domestic repression. This new most contemporary radical social move One of the world's
^ ^
leading social crit
book, Chomsky on Anarchism (AK Press), ments do not strive to take control of the ics talks about the Q C
collects Chomsky's essays and inter state. Instead, they attempt to develop anarchist prin ^ ^
views—both published and previously new forms of self-organization that can ciples that have ^J^*^
guided him since
unpublished—that specifically deal with run in parallel with—or as alternatives he was a teenager. ■jzs
^™*
anarchism. It shows his commitment to to—existing forms of social, political and Faansdc iniantitnegr veiseswayss, f e
nonhierarchical models of political orga economic organization. This is to say including never e-o
that they follow a logic of affinity, rather before published * ^ w
nizing and his hopes for a future without material. A new ^ i
rulers. Includes an introduction by editor than hegemony. This book draws from side of Chomsky... *T-*
and anarchism! _ _ Noam Chomsky
Barry Pateman. a variety of different strands in political
In their search for new ways of under theory to weave together an innovative S16.S51 241 pp. 11904859 20 8
standing hierarchy, domination and pow approach to contemporary politics. Rig TmHtFdRLAI A*SL TC-TOHLEL CEOCMTIPOLNETE
er, anarchists and others have produced orous and wide-ranging, Day introduces
numerous works that have deepened our and interrogates key concepts, such as Alexander Berkman
understanding of how power works. One Hegel's concept of recognition, theories A historical fac
of hegemony and affinity, Hardt and simile reprint of
philosopher in particular, Todd May, best all 29 issues of
known in anarchist circles for his 1994 Negri's reflections on Empire, and the Berkman's incen
book Toward a Political Theory of Post- theoretical and philosophical concerns of diary San Fran
cisco newspaper
Structuralist Anarchism, is one such think today's world—whether in the hallowed in their entirety
er. This year he published another book corridors of academia or in the politics (typos, ads, and
all). Features arti
that specifically deals with the French of the streets. Ideal for all students of
cles, letters, news,
and editorials by
philosopher Gilles Deleuze, whose work political theory, Day's fresh approach
Berkman and his
has been essential to the development of combines Marxist, anarchist and post-
revolutionary com
post-structuralism, and especially post- structuralist theory to shed new light on rades.
structural anarchism. Deleuze is a no the politics and practice of contemporary
tably difficult philosopher and dozens of social movements.
books attempting to clarify and explain Changing Anarchism: Anarchist Theory THE ECOLOGY OF FREEDOM
his ideas have been published. In Gilles and Practice in a Global Age (Manchester
MurrayBookchin mi kk.u kookuiin
Deleuze: An Introduction (Cambridge University Press), edited by Jonathan
University Press), May approaches De Purkis and James Bowen, sets out to Bookchin's most
exciting and far-
leuze in a somewhat different manner. reconfigure anarchist theory by describ reaching book yet.
As in many of his other books, May seeks ing contemporary anarchist practice and A masterful syn
thesis of ecology,
to not only present or clarify ideas, but to providing a viable evaluative and analytic anthropology, phi
ask essential and important questions for framework for understanding it. The losophy and politi
cal theory linking
the reader, demonstrating the applicabil contributors are both academics and the destruction of
nature to human
ity of complex and seemingly abstract activists, and they raise salient questions
ity's legacy of hi
ideas to everyday life. Arguing that De regarding the complex nature of power, erarchy and social
leuze offers a view of the cosmos as a liv as well as resistance to it. Areas covered domination. Indis-
pensible reading!
ing entity that suggests ways of conduct include: sexuality and identity, psycho
S22.951491 pp. 11904859 26 7
ing lives in manners perhaps never even logical dependency on technology, liber
dreamed of, the book seeks to answer the tarian education, religion, protest tactics, W'TO ORDER
question "How might we live?" and gives artistic expression, among other matters. J i\\ C-A 6L7L4:- A51 203.2R0D8. 1S7T0R0E OERT OVAISKITLA WNWD,W C.AA K9P46R1E2S 0SS.AORG
PRESS
BOOKSELLERS CALL CONSORTIUM: 800.283.3572
fall 2005 / 7
Perspectives on Anarchist Theory
This collection epitomizes the rich di Avant-Garde: A History of the Situationists
study of the little-known secret and
versity that exists within contemporary International and Modern Art by Roberto repressive prison system run for two de
anarchism, as well as demonstrating its Ohrt (Lukas 8c Sternberg). cades by the U.S. Immigration and Natu
ongoing relevance as a sociological tool. ralization Service. The book chronicles
The British anarchist writer Colin The Prison System this institution's history of brutality and
Ward has also produced a new book torture of recent immigrants occurring
called Anarchism: A Very Short Introduc The sinteadte a hsa tsh eh pisotolitriiccaall layn btiemeonn yim oafg on American soil.
tion (Oxford University Press). Colin anarchism, and the prison as one of the On the related subject of the Abu
Ward has been involved with the anar most symbolic and repressive methods Ghraib prison abuse scandal, Lila Rajiva
chist movement in England for many of state-sponsored social control. An has written a book that looks at the re
years, was at one time the editor of the archists have long been involved with sponse of the U.S. media and Congress
British Anarchy magazine, and is the struggles against the prison system, and to the revelations of abuse and torture,
author of numerous books on anarchism, with attempts to illuminate the race- and and relates this response to the larger
ecology, architecture, city planning, class-based injustices that it perpetuates. context of U.S. global politics and ideol
transportation and more. His Anarchy However, the power of the prison as a ogy. Language of Empire: Abu Ghraib and
in Action, published in the 1970s, was form of social repression is not limited the American Media (Monthly Review
one of the best introductions to anar to domestic populations. The "new" so- Press), illustrates how the media has col
chist theory and practice for many years. called "war on terror" and U.S. govern luded with the Bush administration in
His new book—a small one at only 109 ment-defined "security concerns" have manipulating images of U.S. occupation
pages—seeks also to familiarize people given the North American government of Iraq in such a way as to present it as
not normally exposed to anarchist ideas renewed justification for non-traditional a "clash of civilizations" popularized by
with the traditions and dynamics of an forms of imprisonment—especially for Samuel Huntington.
archism. Although a brief and straight non-U.S. citizens. Non-US. citizens are
forward introductory text, he covers the prevented from using the rights and safe Social Control
major ideas, history and personalities of guard that non-aliens theoretically have
anarchism from a variety of perspectives to protect their civil liberties. Thousands Relaatesd a tmo etahnes uosf es oocfia ilm copnritsrooln ism tehent
(theoretical, historical and international), of people—so called "enemy combat increasing criminalization of dissent in
giving greater coverage to specific key ants"—are now imprisoned by U.S. of recent years. At a time when the FBI
thinkers, such as Kropotkin and Chom ficials throughout the world and are de is actively monitoring and interfering
sky. nied the most fundamental rights. The with individuals and groups who work
three books below describe this abuse of for social change, it is timely that the
Anarchism & the Arts power, and the ways it is masked by the book There's Something Happening Here:
discourse of "national security." The New Left, the Klan, and FBI Coun
Anarochni svmar iohuass malowvaeymse hnatsd i na na rtim—p ianct Americas Disappeared: Secret Imprison
terintelligence (University of California
cluding film, the visual arts, music, ar ment, Detainees, and the "War on Terror" Press) should be released. While Ward
chitecture and other forms of cultural (Seven Stories Press) is a slim but infor Churchill's books on the subject of
expression. A new edited volume, 'To mative volume edited by Rachel Meero- COINTELPRO operations continue to
Hell With Culture': Anarchism in Twenti pol, an attorney who works with the provide an excellent resource on the sub
eth Century British Literature (University Center for Constitutional Rights in New ject, this book is a fine complement. The
of Wales Press) is comprised of essays York City. The book assembles analysis author analyzed over 12,000 previously
that explore both the negative treatment of U.S. "anti-terror" tools—including the classified documents and uncovered the
of anarchism in British novels (Joseph practice of torture as a counterterrorism riveting inside story of the FBI's attempts
Conrad and G. K. Chesterton) and sym tool, the administrative detention of mi to neutralize both Left and Right politi
pathetic interpretations (Aldous Huxley, grants in the United States, the implica cal targets in the 1960s. Examining the
Alex Comfort, Ethel Mannin, Ralph tions of designating a group of people FBI's infamous COINTELPRO project,
Bates, Herbert Read, John Cowper "enemy combatants," and the preserva Cunningham questions whether such ac
Powys, et al). Additionally, the collection tion of Guantanamo as a space outside tions were aberrations, or are evidence of
explores the presence of the anarchist the law—and intersperses it with the the Bureau's ongoing mission to restrict
tradition among contemporary British testimony of detainees themselves. citizens' rights to engage in legal forms of
novelists, such as James Kelman, Mark Another new book that details im dissent.
Ravenhill and Niall Griffiths. prisonment and abuse of foreign nation States control their populations in
Another book that will be released als is Mark Dow's American Gulag: Inside many ways: imprisonment, education,
later in the year describes the influence of Immigration Prisons (University of Cali propaganda and technology. Barbed
anarchism on the graphic arts: Phantom fornia Press). Dow provides an in-depth wire, an invention that seeks to control
8 / fall 2005
What's Happening: Recent Books
movement with pain is the subject of a number of perspectives. One new book, contemporary voices of radical resistance
International Zapatismo: The Construction in Argentina—Horizontalidad: Voces de
fascinating new history by Reviel Netz.
Barbed Wire: An Ecology of Modernity of Solidarity in the Age of Globalization Poder Popular en Argentina [Horizontal-
(Wesleyan University Press) surveys the (Zed Books) attempts to understand the ism: Voices of Popular Power in Argentina].
infrastructure of the global Zapatista Sitrin has also participated at the IAS-
development of this peculiar method of
punitive social control during the period solidarity network. The author, Thomas sponsored "Renewing the Anarchist
1874 to 1954, and describes its use to Olescn, seeks to understand which activi Tradition" conference and contributed
control cattle during the colonization of ties the network has engaged in, and to to the IAS newsletter Perspectives. Her
the American West, and people in Nazi ask which factors have enabled this net new book is composed of interviews with
concentration camps and the Russian work to develop so successfully. Olesen activists involved with the Argentine
also wonders about the long-term impli Autonomous social movements and their
Gulag. Told from the perspective of the
victim (whether it be human, animal or cations of this transnational network for accounts of the neighborhood assemblies,
the environment), Barbed Wire presents new kinds of political action and interna movements of unemployed workers, and
modern history through the lens of the tional solidarity. occupied factories that are all organizing
Another question that scholars and in ways that are consciously directed to
prevention of movement and the control
of space. activists ponder is the gulf between social ward democratic and autonomous forms
movement theory and social movement of government, naming this politics hori
Race activism. Examining the causes and zontalidad. y/k.
consequences of this disconnect between
Pauml Gosiltr oinyte, lolencetu aolfs t ohne rwacoerl,d h'sa sfo prreo theory and practice is the focus of a new
duced a new book called Postcolonial book entitled Rhyming Hope and History:
Melancholia (Columbia University Press). Activists, Academics, and Social Movement
Gilroy s searing analyses of race, politics Scholarship (University of Minnesota
and culture have always remained atten Press), edited by David Croteau, William
tive to the material conditions of black Hoyncs and Charlotte Ryan. The schol
ars and activists who have contributed to
populations, and the ways in which
blacks have defaced the "clean edifice this collection explore solutions, weigh
of white supremacy." This book adapts ing the promise and peril of engaged
the concept of "melancholia" from its theory and the barriers to meaningful
Freudian origins and applies it not to collaboration.
individual grief, but to the social pathol The Global Resistance Reader (Rout
ogy of neo-imperialist politics. The mel ledge) is another large collection that
ancholic reactions that have obstructed provides a comprehensive account of the
the process of working through the phenomenal rise of the transnational
social movements in opposition to the
legacy of colonialism are implicated not
only in hostility and violence directed financial, economic and political hege
at blacks, immigrants and aliens, but in mony of large international organizations
an inability to value the ordinary, unruly such as the WTO, World Bank and the
multicultural world that has evolved IMF.
organically in urban centers. Drawing Amy Spencer has written a popular
on the seminal discussions of race begun history of the "do-it-yourself" move
by Frantz Fanon, W. E. B. DuBois, and ment called DIY: The Rise ofLo-Fi Cul
ture (Marion Boyars). Since the 1990s,
George Orwell, Gilroy crafts a nuanced
thousands of people have embraced the
argument with far-reaching implica
tions. Ultimately, Postcolonial Melancholia zinc revolution and DIY music making.
goes beyond the idea of mere tolerance Spencer documents DIY culture from
to propose that it is possible to celebrate zine archives to SchNEWS, Queercore
the multicultural, and live with otherness to Riot Grrl, Situationists to punk rock,
without anxiety, fear or violence. and rebel radio to rave.
Finally, it is with great pleasure that
Social Movements we witness another LAS-funded project
coming to fruition. Marina Sitrin, IAS
One mofe tnintse inb ethset- kwnoorwldn t osdoacyi,a Zl ampoavties- grant recipient in 2003, has produced a
mo has been thoroughly studied from a Spanish-language book documenting
FALL 2005 / 9
Perspectives on Anarchist Theory
Words & Revolution
Regarding a Moratorium on "Freedom" 8c "Democracy"
by Alexis Bhagat
more deadly than Influenza or Human- repeat politicians and the disciplined
Election Day in the United States, I Immunodeficiency because, in addition media (i.e., most people) are mis-using the
In Nsopvoekem wbeithr ao fr a2d0io0 4st,u jduiost a buedifeonrece1 to mobilizing biopower, they are backed words. They are using the words. Inces
in Brooklyn, New York about certain
by firepower—incendiary, atomic and santly. On Inauguration Day 2005, a
words that had become damaged through financial—capable of wiping out a village friend noted that Virus D, Virus F and
their use in the rhetoric of the so-called or the planet wholesale. Thus, the very the related term 'liberty'4 were repeated
War on Terror. The audience agreed survival of planet Earth depends upon like an incantation. We decided to at
with me that above all, "Freedom" and the containment, if not eradication, of
tempt an audio intervention, to replace,
"Democracy" were completely beyond these dangerous viruses, which have been for example:
repair. Most felt that the words should spreading contagiously "like a seed upon
be utterly abandoned, but some nostalgic the wind, taking root in many nations."2 // is the policy of the United States
individuals were unable to go so far. We For those who find all this to be ut to seek and support the growth of dem
eventually reached consensus on a mora terly preposterous, I ask you to remember ocratic movements and institutions in
torium prohibiting the words "Freedom" that words acquire meaning from their
every nation and culture, with the ul
and "Democracy" until the so-called use.3 If you disagree, if you believe that timate goal of ending tyranny in our
War on Terror had expired. As this war words have an etymological truth, of world.
is, according to its proponents, an end course you will find this preposterous.
less conflict against a ubiquitous foe, our The possibility of restoring these defiled with
moratorium will in effect be permanent words will hold you in the past. Like the
as well. American peace activists longing for the // is the policy of the United States
What happens to abandoned words? isolation of the Progressive era, hold to seek and support the growth of reli
They are not like old cars or old appli ing Old Glory emblazoned signs that gious fundamentalist movements and
ances, which can be dissembled for spare say "Peace is Patriotic," you will hold on institutions in every nation and cul
parts. Words live through us, through to some battered myths of Virus F and ture, with the ultimate goal of ending
our speech. They also live independendy Virus D as the prize to be eyed. It boils equality in our world.
of us in some realm of abstraction where down to tradition, attachment. There're
philosophers aim to dwell and poets aim all those great songs about Virus F, and or,
to cause havoc; where they abandon their the legacy of the Virus F Riders and the
phonemes and form cysts of meaning; Virus F Summers. The anarchist move // is the policy of the United States
from where they regenerate. If we have ment has been long claimed that Virus to seek and support the growth of
need, the dear meanings once spoken D is a sham anyway and that we adhere democratic movements and institu
as "freedom" and "democracy" will re to some purer root of Virus D. And of tions in every nation and culture in
turn again in different combinations of course there's the chant burned into our the world, except for in Haiti and
sounds. I dare say that holding onto collective memory from the Battle of other nations populated by Africans
meaningless sounds prevents the pronun Seattle: "This is What Virus D Looks or former African-slaves.
ciation of their successors. Like!"
In the interest of bringing these suc Virus D looks like fixed elections, But the fact remains. The utterance.
cessors forth from our lips, I shall hence looks like white supremacy, looks like The event. Virus D and Virus F were
forth designate Freedom and Democracy, wars of aggression. Virus D looks like the words spoken, and through that
after the discoveries of Burroughs, as the sovereignty of deception. Virus D use, they acquired new valence. This
Virus F and Virus D. You make take looks altogether virulent. redefinition of words is integral to the
this as a joke; however, I cannot reiterate In light of this virulence, it's useless injection-molded revolution underway,
enough that this is a grave matter. As to say that the politicians and the dis which like the conversion of an industrial
viruses go, Virus F and Virus D are far ciplined media and all the people who quarter into a luxury co-op district, leaves
10 / FALL 2005