Full Spectrum Resistance, Volume One: Building Movements and Fighting to Win

by Aric McBay

A guide to direct action for those disillusioned with the posturing of liberal “activism.”The radical left is losing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here is the radical’s guide to activist work—the manual we need at this crucial moment to organize for universal human rights, a habitable earth, and a more egalitarian society.  Thoroughly exploring the achievements and failures of radical movements throughout history—from 19th-century anti-colonial rebellions in China and the environmental actions of First Nations and Native American tribes throughout the 20th century, to Black Lives Matter and the fight for Gay Liberation—the two volumes of Full Spectrum Resistance candidly advocate for direct action, not just risk-averse models of protest marches and call-ins. With in-depth histories and case studies of social justice and environmental movements, noted writer, activist, and farmer Aric McBay explains why passive resistance alone cannot work, and how we must be prepared to do whatever it takes to create substantial social change.  In Volume 1: Building Movements and Fighting to Win, McBay describes the need for resistance movements, and paints a portrait of what a thriving resistance movement might look like today. Citing successful movements such as the Deacons of Defense of the American Civil Rights Movement, the anti-colonial revolutions in Guinea and Cape Verde, and activist groups like Act-UP, McBay deftly illustrates how to organize activist groups and encourage enlistment, while also noting the necessary precautions one must take to secure these radical circles from infiltration and collapse.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Activism, Social Justice, Environment, Race, Audiobook

493 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2019

Reviews

[Heather Larocchia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sound logic with good examples - I’m just not sure who the intended audience is? As someone who leans more and more towards radical ideas as time goes on, I was interested in what advice this book could offer me. I was about halfway through when I realized I might find more use in volume two (which I’ve yet to read). I’m not trying to create a radical organization, but I am curious as to the successes and failures of such organizations. This book provides that, but I found it a bit difficult to see how certain chapters apply to groups I participate in or know about.

[Rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aric McBay has found his stride in this book - engaging examples, sound advice for building and sustaining counter-hegemonic movements. Of course, I purchased the book using my credit card and my home address, so The Man is probably hovering a drone overhead as we type this ... could have used this book before buying this book.

[Adrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book after learning about it at a predominantly all white church. They had a special guest who recommended it to the congregation after the killing of George Floyd. They wanted the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the Black Lives Matter movement. They clearly wanted to keep momentum alive. Glad they did.

I feel the author does a good job of explaining to readers the history of different movements here in America and elsewhere. How each gained and/or lost momentum in their quest to fight against different forms of oppression. Definitely some important takeaways.

Also, there are some good book and movie recommendations mentioned throughout the read.

[Zéro Janvier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ce livre est le premier volume d'un diptyque de l'auteur et activiste canadien Aric McBay, que je découvre avec cet ouvrage. C'est en quelque sorte un manuel de l'activiste et du militant, dont cette première partie est principalement consacrée à la construction et l'organisation des groupes, organisations et mouvements militants.

Aric McBay mobilise des éléments théoriques, utilise des exemples historiques ou contemporains, s'appuie sur les témoignages des militants eux-mêmes, tente d'en tirer des leçons sur ce qui fait le succès ou l'échec d'un mouvement, et synthétise tout cela avec des conseils pratiques.

Je ne sais pas si j'aurai l'occasion de mettre en pratique tous ces conseils (coucou les RG si vous me lisez) mais c'est en tout cas un livre passionnant et enrichissant pour toute personne qui s'intéresse à la marche du monde et à la façon de le changer. Je vais évidemment enchainer avec le second volume, consacré cette fois à la stratégie et aux actions proprement dites.

[Marc Xuereb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need to know about strategy to change the world in one book (OK, two!). Meticulously researched by someone who also clearly has years of experience, incorporating ideas from dozens of radicals who came and wrote about resistance before him. Definitely picking up Volume 2 shortly!

[Matt O'Dowd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very broad in scope but with a sharp and effective message. I was impressed with his research and it added some titles to my list.

[Roxy The Bolshevik Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the practical questions of radical organising, drawing on a variety of traditions and experiences - from the Deakins of Defence to the Viet Minh.

Strongly recommend for anyone serious about building a revolutionary movement or organisation.

[Skiamakhos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, good strategy. I recommend this to everyone.

[milka · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are an activist, this book is a must. essence of all important knowledge, tips on actually working as an activist and historical aspects of different strategics/methods of resistance.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF for book club, neutral rating cuz I suspect it's good but will need to come back later to see.

[Pin-Tsun · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books anyone wishing to make the world a better place can read right now