Against the State: Anarchists and Comrades at War in Spain, Myanmar, and Rojava

by James Stout

A book about those that cannot wait any longer for the world to change.

Young revolutionaries in Myanmar and Rojava, colloquially referred to by journalist James Stout as “anarchists” for their nonhierarchical forms of organization based on mutual aid and solidarity, face incredible danger to pursue their expression of freedom. Against the State seeks to understand these anarchists, to honor their struggles, and ask tough questions about confronting the state. Stout contrasts these contemporary movements with the Spanish Civil War and Revolution where workers in 1936 fought capitalism and fascism. Crucially, the book presents these movements as evolving and innovative, and centers the voices of those too often overlooked in conflict studies and misunderstood by Western radical movements.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, War

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal profile of the three struggles for freedom the author focuses on and the various components that constituted their respective revolutions. Got to revisit some excellent Orwell quotes and learned some new facts about all three conflicts I wasn't aware of, while getting a better understanding of elements I was familiar with. Despite typos, the author's prose shines as much as his contributions on It Could Happen Here do, with plenty of wit and sincerity.

[Jack Roberge · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved loved loved this book, and i have a career crush on James Stout. it’s so obvious that Stout cares so deeply about his sources - all of whom are deserving of the care.

Stout’s brand of “doing politics” is so attractive to me, as is the anarchist model. i really need to get out of my house and do something. inspiring book, i really hope to write something like this someday.

hopes up for the Rojava, and to all of the anti regime fighters in Burma.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may be early but there’s no way this isn’t one of the best books of the year. Utterly engrossing, a look at the anarchist realities of war in Spain, Rojava and Myanmar, brilliantly told by incredible journalist. It doesn’t get better than this.

[Lottie C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Important history, I just don’t think I’m a descriptive history kind of person

[Cole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hopeful look at what building a society without the state can look like, and in-depth examinations into the heroes of revolutions across Spain, Myanmar, and Rojava. Incredibly enlightening