A Critique of State Socialism - Mikhail Bakunin and Richard Warren

A comic book critique of state socialism, based on writings by Mikhail Bakunin with additional text and drawings by Richard Warren. First published by Cienfuegos Press in 1981, this PDF was made available by Crimethinc.

Submitted by R Totale on July 29, 2020

Anarchists have long argued that all statist approaches to social change are doomed to authoritarian results. This comic illustrates how Bakunin’s critique of state socialism, composed a century and a half ago, was borne out by the events of the 20th century.

Just as Bakunin’s concerns about power-hungry socialists and communists proved prescient, this comic retains its value today, when new politicians and parties are attempting to co-opt popular movements. We should never forget the hard-learned lessons of the Russian Revolution and the Spanish Civil War: those who would wield state power, whether in the name of the people or any other abstraction, can only be obstacles to liberation, if not actual foes of it.

Readers who lack context for 20th century history may find some passages a little perplexing; but if nothing else, this comic provides points of departure to learn about many of the most fascinating and pivotal events of that era. There are plenty of other sources out there, should you wish to learn more about any of these!

Files

Comments

R Totale

3 years 7 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by R Totale on July 29, 2020

Something about this really quite reminds me of the Isy Morgenmuffel "Moments of Struggle" anarchist history comic zine, which is probably almost impossible to find nowadays.

Reddebrek

3 years 5 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Reddebrek on September 25, 2020

This was a great read and the illustrations were good accompaniments and some would make great posters.