Politics 237 - Anarchism

Pandemic-era mutual aid and community-organized monitoring of ICE agents in Minneapolis have raised the profile of long-standing anarchist practices, but fear and a deeper lack of knowledge of anarchism(s) persists. Pushing beyond the bias that equates anarchism (no-rule) with chaos and disorder, this course examines anarchism historically and conceptually. Situating key readings about anarchism in the context of modernity, especially the centralization of state authority and development of economic, racial, and colonial hierarchies, we will trace how anarchism has given expression to dreams of collective freedom menaced by the institutions and authorities associated with state power. Our readings will include forms of Black, Indigenous, and feminist anarchisms, as well contemporary writings on the influence of anarchism on social movements and organizing.