Anarchism without adjectives

Anarchism without Adjectives

Anarchism without adjectives is a pluralistic approach to anarchism that emphasizes the importance of cooperation among different anarchist schools of thought. This concept emerged in the late 19th century and was popularized by Fernando Tarrida del Mármol and Ricardo Mella, among others. It advocates for a non-sectarian approach to anarchism, where the focus is on the shared principles of anti-authoritarianism and mutual aid, rather than on specific economic models or strategies.

Historical Context

The term "anarchism without adjectives" was first used in the 1890s during debates among anarchists in Spain and Cuba. At the time, there were significant tensions between different anarchist factions, particularly between anarcho-communists and anarcho-individualists. The proponents of anarchism without adjectives argued that these divisions were counterproductive and that anarchists should unite against common enemies such as the state and capitalism.

Key Figures

Fernando Tarrida del Mármol

Fernando Tarrida del Mármol was a Cuban-born anarchist who played a crucial role in promoting anarchism without adjectives. He believed that anarchists should not be divided by their economic preferences, whether they favored communism, collectivism, or individualism. Instead, he argued for a focus on the shared goal of a stateless, non-hierarchical society.

Ricardo Mella

Ricardo Mella was a Spanish anarchist writer and activist who also advocated for anarchism without adjectives. Mella emphasized the importance of practical cooperation among anarchists and the need to adapt anarchist principles to the specific conditions of each society. He believed that the diversity of anarchist thought was a strength rather than a weakness.

Principles

Anarchism without adjectives is based on several core principles:

• Pluralism: It recognizes the validity of different anarchist approaches and encourages dialogue and cooperation among them.
• Pragmatism: It emphasizes practical action and the need to adapt strategies to local conditions.
• Unity: It seeks to unite anarchists around common goals, such as the abolition of the state and capitalism, rather than dividing them over economic theories.

Influence and Legacy

Anarchism without adjectives has influenced various anarchist movements and thinkers throughout history. It has been particularly important in contexts where diverse anarchist tendencies coexist, such as in Latin America and Southern Europe. The approach has also been reflected in contemporary movements that emphasize horizontalism and direct democracy, such as the Occupy movement.

Criticisms

Some critics argue that anarchism without adjectives can lead to a lack of clarity and direction, as it does not prioritize any specific economic or social model. Others contend that it may dilute the radical potential of anarchism by accommodating too broad a range of ideas.

See Also

• Anarchism
• Anarcho-communism
• Anarcho-syndicalism
• Mutualism (economic theory)
• Individualist anarchism

References

• Avrich, Paul. Anarchist Voices: An Oral History of Anarchism in America. Princeton University Press, 1995.
• Marshall, Peter. Demanding the Impossible: A History of Anarchism. Harper Perennial, 2008.

External Links

• The Anarchist Library
• Libcom.org