The millions of people who have come out onto streets and squares around the world in recent years to oppose the policy of cuts and austerity do not trust politicians and trade union leaders. This shows a revolutionary instinct. Those who sneer at the movement as “merely spontaneous” display their ignorance of the essence of a revolution, which is precisely the direct intervention of the masses in politics. This spontaneity is an enormous strength—but at a certain point it will become a fatal weakness of the movement. Unless the movement is taken to a higher level, at a certain stage, it will subside, leaving the people disappointed and demoralised. Upon reflection of their experience, an increasing number of activists will come to see the need for a consistent revolutionary programme.
The debate between Marxism and Anarchism is more than a century old. It is no accident that when the class struggle again boils to the surface this debate is revived. This collection of classic and contemporary writings helps to clarify the Marxist perspective on Anarchist theory and practice, and the need for a revolutionary party. Its publication marks an important step forward in the theoretical arming of a new generation of class fighters - in preparation for the momentous struggles ahead.
This volume includes classic essays by Engels, Lenin, Trotsky, Plekhanov, as well as contemporary analysis by Alan Woods, Phil Mitchinson and others, on an array of topics related to anarchism. Among them are: the Occupy movement; Marx vs Bakunin; Engels on authority; Michael Albert and Parecon; why Marxists oppose individual terrorism; direct action; anarcho-syndicalism; Kronstadt; the Makhno rebellion; the Spanish Revolution.
Available from Wellred in paper copy and as an ebook
Table of Contents
- Introduction (by Alan Woods)
Section One: Marxist and Anarchist Theory
- Marxist and Anarchist Theory (by Daniel Morley)
- Anarchism and Socialism (by G V Plekhanov)
- Marx versus Bakunin (by Alan Woods)
- On Authority (by Frederick Engels)
- Anarchism and Socialism (by V I Lenin)
- Michael Albert and Parecon (by Josh Lucker)
Section Two: Marxist and Anarchist Tactics
- Why Marxists Oppose Individual Terrorism (by Leon Trotsky)
- Marxism and Direct Action (by Phil Mitchinson)
Section Three: Anarcho-syndicalism
- A Necessary Discussion with Our Syndicalist Comrades (by Leon Trotsky)
- The Anarcho-Syndicalist Prejudices Again! (by Leon Trotsky)
- Communism and Syndicalism (by Leon Trotsky)
- The Errors in Principle of Syndicalism (by Leon Trotsky)
- Monatte Crosses the Rubicon (by Leon Trotsky)
- The Mistakes of Rightist Elements of the Communist League on the Trade Union Question (by Leon Trotsky)
- The Communist International to the IWW (by Grigory Zinoviev)
Section Four: Kronstadt and Makhno
- Makhno Anarchists, Kronstadt, and the Position of the Peasants in Post-Revolutionary Russia (by A. Kramer)
- Hue and Cry Over Kronstadt (by Leon Trotsky)
- Kronstadt: Trotsky Was Right! (by A. Kramer)
- Who Was Makhno and What Did He Stand For? (by Vladimir Morozov)
Section Five: The Spanish Revolution
- The Lessons of Spain: The Last Warning (by Leon Trotsky)
- Trotsky’s “The Class, the Party, and the Leadership” (by Graeme Anfinson)