Marxism and Anarchism

by Alan Woods, Georgi Plekhanov, Friedrich Engels

“The millions of people who have come out onto streets and squares around the world in recent years to oppose the policy of cuts and austerity do not trust politicians and trade union leaders. This shows a revolutionary instinct. Those who sneer at the movement as “merely spontaneous” display their ignorance of the essence of a revolution, which is precisely the direct intervention of the masses in politics. This spontaneity is an enormous strength—but at a certain point it will become a fatal weakness of the movement. Unless the movement is taken to a higher level, at a certain stage, it will subside, leaving the people disappointed and demoralised. Upon reflection of their experience, an increasing number of activists will come to see the need for a consistent revolutionary programme.”

The debate between Marxism and Anarchism is more than a century old. It is no accident that when the class struggle again boils to the surface this debate is revived. This collection of classic and contemporary writings helps to clarify the Marxist perspective on Anarchist theory and practice, and the need for a revolutionary party. Its publication marks an important step forward in the theoretical arming of a new generation of class fighters - in preparation for the momentous struggles ahead.

This volume includes classic essays by Engels, Lenin, Trotsky, Plekhanov, as well as contemporary analysis by Alan Woods, Phil Mitchinson and others, on an array of topics related to anarchism. Among them are: the Occupy movement; Marx vs Bakunin; Engels on authority; Michael Albert and Parecon; why Marxists oppose individual terrorism; direct action; anarcho-syndicalism; Kronstadt; the Makhno rebellion; the Spanish Revolution.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

495 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

Alan Woods is a Trotskyist political theorist. He is one of the leading members of the British group Socialist Appeal as well as its parent group, the International Marxist Tendency (IMT). He is political editor of the IMT's In Defence of Marxism website.

Woods supported the Militant tendency within the UK Labour Party until the early 1990s, when he and Ted Grant were expelled from the tendency and founded the Committee for a Marxist International (soon renamed International Marxist Tendency) in 1992. They continued with the policy of entryism into the Labour Party.

Woods has been particularly vocal in his support for the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela, and has repeatedly met with the socialist Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, leading to speculation he was a close political adviser.

Reviews

[Ryan Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing analysis of anarchism as a revolutionary movement against the capitalist state as well as great analysis into historical events such as the October revolution, kronstadt rebellion and the Spanish civil war and the roles that anarchists and marxists played in the successes and failures of those historical moments.

[Juan Pablo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable.

It covers the basics of the fundamental incompatibility of Marxist philosophy with Anarchist or rather genuine lack thereof for the latter. The short of it to some degree, to me, is the anarchists put the cart before the horse. An oversimplification but I think it suffices to explain for anyone curious about the book.

The history of Marx & Bakunin is explored. The constant backstabbing & betrayals of Bakunin were surprising to learn about, fortunately Marx could see where things were headed. I do think it is unfortunate considering what they’re supposed to stand for & it was definitely a recurring theme in the history of later movements.

There is discussion of different anarchist ideas, Noam Chomsky, individual acts of terror & things of this nature & their shortcomings.

That being said, the history of later movements, particularly in Spain in addition to critiques of Stalinism which are relevant to the failed revolution in Spain were eye-opening as well. Revolutions are no strangers to strange bedfellows but to make a habit of it demonstrates the bankruptcy of Stalinism & the Anarchist philosophy & movement.

After all is said & done, the end result of this book is the case being made for a strong, independent revolutionary leadership & party that is elected by the workers & beholden to them.

This was a great read!

[Lausen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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