You can't blow up a social relationship - the anarchist case against terrorism

A clear explanation of why anarchists oppose terrorism, and why terrorism or propaganda by deed can be of no benefit to the working class, as capitalism is a social relationship, not a group of bad individuals.

Submitted by libcom on April 4, 2005

This essay was was published as a pamphlet around late 1978 or 1979, in the aftermath of the Sydney Hilton Bombing. The black humour of the time around the anarchist movement was that the police and security forces framed Ananda Marga because they came before Anarchism in the alphabet.

The arguments in this pamphlet are still as valid today as when they were written 30 years ago. Reprinting or linking to this text is encouraged.

Anarres Books Collective. First published (1979?) In Australia by: Libertarian Socialist Organisation, P.O. Box 223, Broadway, Brisbane, Queensland; Libertarian Workers For A Self-Managed Society, P.O. Box 20, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052; Monash Anarchist Society; C/- Monash University Union, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168; Adelaide Libertarian Socialists, P.O. Box 67.

Comments

syndicalist

17 years 10 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by syndicalist on December 24, 2006

Just a historical note. This pamphlet was republished by the Anarchist-Communist Federation of North America. The ACF/NA modified some of the language to fit the North American scene.

As I recall, this one was of our "most popular" pamphlets.

It has since been republished by others, including See Sharp Press (http://www.seesharppress.com/pamphlets.html).

Years have passed since it was written, but the essence of the critique is as valid today as yesterday.

petey

15 years 8 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by petey on February 13, 2009

many excellent point in this pamphlet, a copy of which i got at the CSA meet last year.

moxy

12 years 5 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by moxy on May 13, 2012

one could add further that if rational individuals followed the same methods of politicians for their relationships:
laws;
fines;
jail;
extortion, threats — even murder—

we would all be victims at some point, or felons...

KriegPhilosophy

12 years 5 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by KriegPhilosophy on May 14, 2012

Waytootiredformyowngoodpost.

Nate

12 years 5 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Nate on May 14, 2012

KriegPhilosophy

This pamphlet portrays anarchism as humanism repacked, it's so shit. (...)I "politically" don't act on emotions but on my class position in society.

Would your class position mind expanding on these points so that they become comprehensible?

KriegPhilosophy

12 years 5 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by KriegPhilosophy on May 14, 2012

Sorry I was fucked when I wrote that. How do you delete posts?

radicalgraffiti

12 years 5 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by radicalgraffiti on May 14, 2012

i don't think you can, but you can edit posts, and replace them with anything.

Redwinged Blackbird

12 years 1 month ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Redwinged Blackbird on September 27, 2012

fucking liberals.

Juan Conatz

12 years 1 month ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Juan Conatz on September 27, 2012

I haven't read this in 4-5 years, but what is liberal about it?