ANARCHISMS AS LIBERATION FRAMEWORKS

Anarchism, like any other ism with any vitality, has numerous variants. Hence the term anarchisms seems appropriate. Similarly the term anarchism has been defined in many ways as have terms like democracy, socialism and christianityism. So, as distasteful as it may be to those who want to pretend there is only one sort of anarchism, we intend to at least make a partial catalogue if not family tree of anarchisms throughout the history of anarchism.

This sounds like a cold dispassionate search for the truth and hence lacks the elan of a more visionary approach. Of course that is the domain of each particular anarchism itself.

Frankly, the multifaceted history of anarchism is virtually unknown. Even the apparently vital anarchist movement in the United States has been unable to educate the broader society about what anarchism means and how it might be relevant to the lives of average citizens.

My own personal bias is that I tend to like what anarchists are saying and doing but remain confused about how they intend to get rid of capitalism and how a new society might emerge. I guess it would be an anarchist society? What does that mean, "anarchist society"?

How does or would anarchism organize production and civil society. If there is to be no state how will personal and social needs be met? Are there illuminating historical examples?

I am also interested in the historic split between the communists in the First International when the marxists split with the anarchists. I am one who bemoans the war waged by anarchists and the Spanish Republic on
one another, especially since this civil war among revolutionaries allowed the fascists under Franco, to win. I currently understand the Spanish Communist Party was servile and obedient to the orders of Comrade Stalin which led to it being heavy handed and otherwise undermined the Spanish Revolution. People need to think for themselves and really consider their own best interests whatever their ideology.

Then there is the spectrum of anarchisms which will undoubtedly reveal more colors than I currently imagine. I am also wondering where some anarchism may overlap with certain revolutionary socialisms.

I shouldn't forget terms like anarchy and anarcho-syndicalism. Hopefully I will not.