A review of a book on evolutionary theory and altruism which discusses Kropotkin. Unfortunately, as shown, the account of Kropotkin’s ideas is flawed and so both “mutual aid” and his contribution to science are obscured. It appeared in Anarcho-Syndicalist Review No. 91 (Winter 2025)
(more…)Articles and Reviews
-
Mutual Aid: Kropotkin versus Jones
A review of book by a noted academic who tries to discuss Kropotkin’s ideas on mutual aid but fails due to its inaccuracies as well as the author’s acceptance of the cultural assumptions of the society he inhabits. It appeared in Freedom, 2nd March 2008.
(more…) -
Frans de Waal (1948-2024)
An obituary of leading primatologist Frans de Waal. He had written numerous books on co-operation and altruism which should be of interest to anarchists, recognising his debt to Kropotkin. It appeared in Anarcho-Syndicalist Review No. 90 (Fall 2024)
(more…) -
Anarchy in the USA: The International Working People’s Association
This article originally appeared in Black Flag Anarchist Review Volume 3 Number 2 (Summer 2023). It discussed the politics of the Chicago Martyrs and shows its links with the ideas of revolutionary anarchism expounded by Bakunin and Kropotkin. It also debunks attempts to portray them as Marxists when, in reality, they were Marxists who moved to anarchism.
(more…) -
The London Congress of 1881
This article seeks to correct all too common generalisations and distortions about the London Congress of 1881. It indicates how looking solely at the resolutions – as most non-anarchists do – gives a distinctly false impression of both the Congress itself and anarchist ideas and strategy. This is an expanded version of the original which appeared in the blog of An Anarchist FAQ and then in Black Flag Anarchist Review (Spring 2023). This expanded version appeared in Anarcho-Syndicalist Review No. 87 (Summer 2023).
(more…)