Wobblies & Zapatistas
Conversations on Anarchism, Marxism and Radical Theory
Lynd, Staughton; Grubacic, Andrej
Publisher: Merlin Press, London, United Kingdom
Year Published: 2008
Pages: 261pp ISBN: ISBN 978-1-60486-041-2
Resource Type: Book
Cx Number: CX8236
Wobblies and Zapatistas offers readers an encounter between two generations and two traditions. Staughton Lynd and Andrej Grubacic meet in dialogue in an effort to bring together the anarchist and Marxist traditions, to discuss the writing of history by those who make it, and to remind us of the idea that 'my country is the world'.
Abstract:
This book, written by Grubacic, a Balkan anarchist, and Lynd, a pacifist, brings together the two traditions of Marxism and anarchism. The authors examine how and by whom history is written and also discuss how the traditional concept of "my country" has evolved beyond the original tie to one's native homeland. Although the book has more content and commentary provided by Lynd, Grubacic makes a significant contribution by advocating for "a new anarchism," or left libertanism based on the ideas of accompaniment, militant research methods and lessons from guerrilla history while recognising the advantages of racial solidarity. Grubacic believes that anarchism, which he believes is defined by direct democracy, decentralization and grassroots federalism, is suppressed by the hegemony of Marxism and Liberalism. He begins the conversation by discussing the emergence of the Zapatista movement in Chiapas in 1994 and its philosophy for change. Staughton argues that Marxism, which attempts to understand society's structure such that one can act strategically and effectively, must collaborate with anarchism as both movements have so far failed to achieve their goals. Together the authors provide readers with the hope that a better world beyond capitalism and state bureaucracy is possible.
[Abstract by Amanpreet Dhami]
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