The Government of No One: The Theory and Practice of Anarchism
by Ruth Kinna
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Description
A magisterial study of one of the most controversial political movements that shows how anarchism works Often associated with chaos or disorder, anarchy defies definition and routinely gets a bad press. And yet from Occupy to Pussy Riot, Noam Chomsky to David Graeber, this philosophical and political movement is as relevant as ever. Contrary to popular perception, different strands of anarchism - from individualism to collectivism - do follow certain structures and a shared sense of purpose- show more a belief in freedom and working towards collective good without the interference of the state. In this masterful, sympathetic account, political theorist Ruth Kinna traces the tumultuous history of anarchism, starting with thinkers and activists such as Peter Kropotkin and Emma Goldman and through key events like the Paris Commune and the Haymarket affair. Skilfully introducing us to the nuanced theories of a range of anarchist groups from around the world, The Government of No One reveals what makes a supposedly chaotic movement particularly adaptable and effective over centuries. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
This book by Ruth Kinna is good, but not perfect. It is a good place to start if you want to understand the historical antecedents of anarchic thought. It appears, however, that most authors who developed and propagated anarchic thought lived in Europe towards the end of the 19th century.
Ruth Kinna has focussed, therefore, on these authors. There are some significant points that most people forget and which she points out:
1. Most anarchists are doomed to failure or do not fully achieve their ends
2. Anarchism does not equate with violence.
While she has done an excellent job in analyzing people like Tolstoy or Kropotin she has not paid enough attention to modern anarchists. Political and social contexts have changed since the 19th show more century, and the world is an interconnected place. There are anarchists everywhere.
She ought to write a follow-up book that brings anarchic thought into the current context. show less
Ruth Kinna has focussed, therefore, on these authors. There are some significant points that most people forget and which she points out:
1. Most anarchists are doomed to failure or do not fully achieve their ends
2. Anarchism does not equate with violence.
While she has done an excellent job in analyzing people like Tolstoy or Kropotin she has not paid enough attention to modern anarchists. Political and social contexts have changed since the 19th show more century, and the world is an interconnected place. There are anarchists everywhere.
She ought to write a follow-up book that brings anarchic thought into the current context. show less
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Author Information
58+ Works 339 Members
Ruth Kinna is Professor of Political Theory at Loughborough University. She has published widely on the history of anarchist ideas and on nineteenth-century socialist and anarchist thought.
Awards and Honors
Awards
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The Guardian Book of the Day (2019-08-22)
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Government of No One: The Theory and Practice of Anarchism
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- Members
- 92
- Popularity
- 349,288
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (4.00)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 3
- ASINs
- 1
