Conference: "Anarchism in All Its Forms (19th–21st Centuries)"

While “anarchy” etymologically means the absence of authority and has been saddled with a negative connotation associated with disorder, anarchism is a term that emerged during the 19th century as a political movement rejecting traditional forms of politics (rejection of the state or of participation in institutional political life).

Emerging at the same time as socialism—of which it was originally, at least in part, a strand—it nevertheless differs from socialism in its varied interpretations and practices, which allow it to bring together activists with entirely different backgrounds and life paths: some choose an approach rooted in the individual sphere—vegan and naturist communities, a fundamental emphasis on interpersonal relationships, particularly the issues of free love and women’s liberation, and a priority placed on the role of education; others, labor activists, sought to lay the foundations for a society based on union control of production: what would become anarcho-syndicalism. The diversity of its currents has given rise to varied, if not divergent, interpretations. Some may consider violent action to overthrow society, characterized in particular by “propaganda of the deed.” Still others, on the contrary, believe that only absolute nonviolence can bring about lasting social transformation, and that to achieve this, one must adopt an uncompromising pacifist stance— “integral pacifism,” which prescribes non-resistance to violence and rejects, as a matter of principle, the notion of a “just war,” regardless of whom it is directed against. These various tendencies, divergent tactical choices, and sometimes contradictory impulses have led to anarchism being classified as a form of political extremism.

The anarchist movement, by its very nature and functioning—the rejection of any rigid, permanent organization and of a hierarchical structure—is multifaceted. It draws a wide range of practices into its ranks and also welcomes individuals who, while initially seeming far removed from its ideas, are able to claim its principles as their own.

Unlike other currents in political life, which are structured around hierarchical organizations, anarchism is a movement that encompasses orientations that are sometimes in conflict with one another.

This conference aims to examine all strands of anarchism since the 19th century. The focus will be on original forms of anarchist expression, and the conference will seek to explore the blind spots of this political philosophy. While the focus will be primarily on Europe, all geographic regions may be subject to analysis.