“The standard book on anarchism for the twenty-first century.
Written with brio, quiet insight and clarity and taking us from the
nineteenth century anarchist Proudhon to Occupy and Rojava'”–
Carl Levy
A magisterial
study of the history and theory of one of the most controversial
political movements
Anarchism routinely gets a bad press. It's usually seen as meaning
chaos and disorder -- or even nothing at all. And yet, from Occupy
Wall Street to Pussy Riot, Noam Chomsky to David Graeber, this
philosophical and political movement is as relevant as ever. Contrary
to popular perception, different strands of anarchism -- from
individualism to collectivism -- do follow certain structures and a
shared sense of purpose: a belief in freedom and working towards
collective good without the interference of the state.
In this masterful,
sympathetic account, political theorist Ruth Kinna traces the
tumultuous history of anarchism, starting with thinkers and activists
such as Peter Kropotkin and Emma Goldman and through key events like
the Paris Commune and the Haymarket affair. Skilfully introducing us
to the nuanced theories of anarchist groups from Russia to Japan to
the United States, The Government of No One reveals what makes
a supposedly chaotic movement particularly adaptable and effective
over centuries -- and what we can learn from it.
