Insurrectionist or Insurrectionary
Insurrectionary anarchism is a revolutionary theory that prioritizes insurrection—the act of revolt itself—over long-term, structured organization. It sees revolution not as a future goal to be prepared for, but as an ongoing process of conflict with the state and capitalism.
What it is
The core principle of insurrectionary anarchism is that a revolution can be sparked through a series of direct actions and attacks on existing power structures, which will inspire a broader social revolt. It's a critique of traditional anarchist and left-wing organizations like political parties and labor unions, which insurrectionists see as becoming hierarchical, reformist, and ineffective. They believe that these formal groups ultimately co-opt revolutionary energy and lead to the creation of new forms of authority. Instead, insurrectionary anarchists advocate for spontaneous and informal action carried out by small, autonomous groups.
Key Concepts
Informal Affinity Groups, Propaganda of the Deed, and Constant State of Conflict
Informal Affinity Groups
Insurrectionary anarchists organize in small, temporary groups based on mutual trust and shared goals, known as affinity groups. These groups form and dissolve as needed for specific actions, which makes them harder for the state to infiltrate and repress.
Propaganda of the Deed
This concept, which became a hallmark of early insurrectionary anarchism, argues that violent acts against state and capitalist targets can serve as a form of propaganda. The actions themselves, rather than written or spoken words, are meant to be a catalyst that awakens the public and inspires them to rebel. It is a controversial strategy often criticized for its association with terrorism
Constant State of Conflict
Rather than waiting for a large-scale revolution, insurrectionary anarchism embraces a continuous state of hostility against the state, authority, and capital. This includes direct actions like sabotage, theft, and property destruction, all viewed as a necessary part of the ongoing class war.
History
The origins of insurrectionary anarchism can be traced to the late 19th-century, particularly among anarchists in Italy. Frustrated with the slow progress of organized labor movements, some anarchists turned to more direct, violent methods. A key figure in this tradition was the Italian-American anarchist Luigi Galleani. Through his newspaper Cronaca Sovversiva, Galleani advocated for "propaganda of the deed" and was a major inspiration for a series of bombings and assassination attempts in the United States in the early 20th century, carried out by his followers, the "Galleanists." While the tendency was largely driven underground by state repression, it has seen a resurgence in recent decades, particularly in Italy and Greece, and has influenced modern militant anarchist movements.
Insurrection Syndicalism
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