Anarchism, the State and the Praxis of Contemporary Antisystemic Social Movements

by Morgan Rodgers Gibson

ABSTRACT

This thesis is dedicated to providing a theoretical and historical account of the way antisystemic movements have developed and changed. By examining the praxis of contemporary antisystemic movements and tracing the historical failure of ‘state-centric’ versions of these movements, this thesis will argue that an anarchistic praxis – though not a doctrinaire ideological programme – has become a primary point of reference for contemporary antisystemic social movements and that this can be seen, in many ways, as a response to the failure of ideologically motivated, state-centric

http://clandestino.carta.org/2010/05/14/welcome-abahlali-tuesday-18-press-conference/

Mondiali al Contrario in Italy

Abahlali BaseMjondolo [“shack dwellers” in Zulu] is the greatest poor people’s movement in the country, operating especially in Durban, Pinetown, Capetown, Pietermaritzburg and Port Shepstone. According to The Times, this movement “has shaken the political landscape of South Africa.”

The weekly magazine Carta and clandestino.carta.org recently published articles and reports that gave rise to the campaign “Mondiali al contrario” [which means taking a totally different look at the World Cup]. Its aim is to bring some of the movement’s founders to Italy (from May 18th to 30th). Here below are the main pieces of news on this initiative.

The Role of Anarchism in Contemporary Anti-Systemic Social Movements

by Morgan Rodgers Gibson, December 2009

Radical, or what will here be referred to as ‘antisystemic’ social movements – since their emergence in both ‘national’ and ‘social’ forms during the nineteenth century – have gone through a transformation from ‘state-centric’ movements, to movements that, for a range of reasons, reject the state as an agent of change. As such, many emerging antisystemic movements are now “deeply suspicious of the state and of state-oriented action”, but are also inclusive, participatory, democratic and non-hierarchical in that the “basis of participation is a common objective… and a common respect for each [individual]'s immediate priorities” (Wallerstein 2002: 35, 37). This essay, in line with this and much of the academic literature on the subject (see Gordon 2007 or Graeber 2002), will argue that an anarchistic praxis - though not a doctrinaire ideological programme - has become the principle point of reference for radical, antisystemic movements and that this can be seen, in many ways, as a response to the failure of ideologically motivated, ‘state-centric’ versions to bring about substantial, transformative social change once assuming power.

Click here to see some pictures.

http://www.narconews.com/Issue65/article4101.html

A Convergence of Dreams
The Third Encuentro for Dignity and Against Displacement

By RJ Maccani
Originally published in Spanish in Desinformemonos magazine

April 2, 2010

The invitation reads, “We propose a coming together, a convergence, to which we can all bring: our histories, what makes us difference, and our dreams.”

And in February, rebel voices from throughout the world came together in East Harlem, New York at the Third New York City Encuentro for Dignity and Against Displacement. Hosted by Movement for Justice in El Barrio (Movement), more than 200 people and 40 organizations joined the gathering. Organizers in South Africa and San Salvador Atenco, Mexico were even in attendance, participating via free video calls over the Internet.

http://desinformemonos.org/2010/04/%C2%A1nueva-york-no-esta-en-venta/

Tercer Encuentro por la Dignidad y contra el Desplazamiento

Nueva York no está en venta!

El Movimiento por Justicia en El Barrio está conformado por más de 600 inmigrantes y familias de bajos recursos del Este de Harlem (El Barrio). Organiza encuentros de inspiración zapatista para “crear un espacio de intercambio abierto y seguro para dialogar, donde el pueblo puede compartir y aprender de personas que son directamente afectadas por el desplazamiento”.

http://detodos-paratodos.blogspot.com/2010/02/other-mexico-and-world-is-under.html

sábado, febrero 27, 2010
An Other Mexico, and World, is Under Construction between San Salvador Atenco and East Harlem

What Does it Mean to be Compañeros?
An Other Mexico, and World, is Under Construction between San Salvador Atenco and East Harlem

By RJ Maccani
Class of 2010, School of Authentic Journalism

February 26, 2010

“Who can imprison the fury of a volcano, the silence of centuries that explodes in rage and pain?” – Ignacio “Nacho” del Valle, Mexican political prisoner sentenced to 112 years