Contemporary Anarchist Studies

'As an academic dean, I am shocked and dismayed at how invisible anarchism is to university curricula. Contemporary Anarchist Studies is a book long overdue. This book shows the theoretical logic and the empirical usefulness of an anarchist view of the world.' – Dr. John Alessio, St. Cloud State University

'Contemporary Anarchist Studies is an urgently needed text at this current historical juncture when powerful arguments for anarchism are needed that are capable of loosening the death grip of capitalist ideology.' – Dr. Peter McLaren, University of California, Los Angeles

'Contemporary Anarchist Studies comes at precisely the right moment in history. From anarchist theory and pedagogy in the academy, to the practices of anarchists in the streets, this book collects the insights of many of the most well known names in the field, and provides both a cogent analysis of our present as well as a hopeful direction for our future.' – Dr. Corey Lewis, Humboldt State University

"It is a perfect volume for a social justice reading group, any college library, and a must for any political theory course. Because of the diversity of articles, sections of the book are also useful for such fields as women’s studies, critical animal studies, environmental studies, education, philosophy, criminology, economics, anthropology, sociology, peace and conflict studies, ethnic studies, and political science."–Sarat Colling, Political Media Review

Contemporary Anarchist Studies has been needed ever since the Battle in Seattle; it is odd that it took so long. This is an amazing collection and I am proud of being part of an amazing text.

- Dr. Richard Kahn, University of North Dakota, Education


This book is a must read for anyone that wants to understand current activist movements.

- Dr. Steve Best, University of Texas, El Paso, Philosophy


This is an outstanding collection of articles from some of the most prominent academics in the field and I am honoured to be part of this powerful and useful project. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone interested in social change. Finally a book that is diverse in topic and thought on anarchist studies.

- Dr. Lisa Kemmerer, Montana State University, Billings


For anyone wishing to study anarchism, this ought to be required reading. For anyone wishing to practice anarchism, and engage with the theory, this is, indeed, recommended reading.

- Ramsey Kanaan, PM Press


It's refreshing to see community level issues being dealt with on the academic level. This book offers a rare and important glimpse into grassroots ideas and actions that struggle to change our world from the perspectives of both activists and academics.

- Leslie James Pickering, Former Earth Liberation Press Officer


A timely and stimulating book that forces us to reconsider both the status quo and fundamental questions pertinent to our cherished notions of democracy. This book will challenge you to think in new ways about age-old issues and is to be highly recommended to anyone who has even a passing interest in the future of humanity.

- Dr. Nicola Taylor, Central Queensland University, Australia


In a culture bent on the manufacture of an expedient internalized domestication of both the human and non-human and the eradication of anything that might still hint of wildness, this unique and original book is essential reading for anyone interested in radical change.

- Dr. Carol Gigliotti, Emily Carr Institute, Canada


When I taught Sociology I would ask an auditorium of 300-500 students how many studied or discussed anarchism as part of their education in high school or in college. Often no hands went up – sometimes one or two. Most students admitted they had not read anything by an anarchist or about anarchism. Now, as an academic dean, I am shocked and dismayed at how invisible anarchism is to university curricula. Contemporary Anarchist Studies is a book long over due. It debunks anarchism stereotypes perpetrated by popular media and political/corporate zealots. This book shows the theoretical logic and the empirical usefulness of an anarchist view of the world. If adopted for university classes, it will represent an important step toward expanding the theoretical parameters of what is now a very narrow view of history and socio-political thought.

- Dr. John Alessio, St. Cloud State University, Sociology


Contemporary Anarchist Studies is an urgently needed text at this current historical juncture when powerful arguments for anarchism are needed that are capable of loosening the death grip of capitalist ideology. This book contains important essays by some of the world's leading anarchist scholars; it's a necessary instrument in today's anti-capitalist toolkit.

- Dr. Peter McLaren, Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, University of California, Los Angeles


In a world where the leaders are, at best, delusional, we need to rethink what leadership is. When politicians are more interested in preserving profit, than people, and where a $1600.00 television is considered a 'steal of a deal', we need to realize that our government and political parties do not deserve to lead. They have left the real Americans well behind.

- Dr. Maury Harris, Chair, Environmental Studies, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX


Too often we treat activists and academics as opposed groups. These authors not only show us how to bridge the divide but also insist that we must see activism and academia as collaborative forces in the fight against oppression. This is a timely and necessary book.

- Matthew J. Walton, composer of Sundance, an opera about Native American political prisoner Leonard Peltier


Contemporary Anarchist Studies comes at precisely the right moment in history. While governments and corporations continue to consolidate political and economic power, individuals are actively subverting totalitarianism in a variety of ways. From Anarchist theory and pedagogy in the academy, to the practices of anarchists in the streets, this book collects the insights of many of the most well known names in the field, and provides both a cogent analysis of our present as well as a hopeful direction for our future.

Dr. Corey Lewis, Humboldt State University, English


A first of its kind, this groundbreaking book explores the intimate details of anarchism from wide and academically sound perspectives. Edited and written by some of the foremost scholars in the field, this book breaks through the barriers of prejudice, assumptions, and misunderstandings. Anarchism is a complex and thorough philosophy that is impacting more and more communities worldwide. Understanding its principles and scope is essential for all activists, academics, and anyone interested in human organization. This book is required reading for anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of anarchism and its impacts on the world.

- Adam Wilson, CEO, www.Downbound.com


Over the last decade or so, anarchism has been rapidly eclipsing Marxism as the most productive and perceptive framework through which activists might understand and, more importantly, change the world. Academic acceptance has taken much longer: not because there aren't plenty of anarchist intellectuals out there, but as the effect of an entrenched and increasingly outmoded culture of scholarly inquiry. Contemporary Anarchist Studies promises to change all that. This impressive and comprehensive collection includes some of today's most exciting anarchist thinkers working in a broad range of disciplines. Tackling questions of theory, praxis, pedagogy, methodology, and much more, this timely volume breathes new life into engaged social theory. Highly recommended!

- Charles Weigl, AK Press

At a time when corporate, government, and military power has grown more concentrated than ever, not only in the United States but globally, this volume will provide the reader with urgently-needed critical perspectives. It will be of enormous value to critical scholars, journalists, politicians, and activists in both the cultural and political arenas.

- Carl Boggs, Professor of Social Sciences, National University, Los Angeles

The recent and ongoing (re)emergence of anarchism as a focus of serious intellectual engagement is cause for celebration. This book, presenting the best overview of Anarchist Studies yet available, is a must read for anyone dis-eased by the current conceptual status quo

-Ward Churchill, author of ACTS OF REBELLION