To mark the publication of the new edited volume, Fight For A New Normal? Anarchism and Mutual Aid in the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis, chapter contributor Jon Bigger discusses the spectre of long Covid, both in how it has affected him personally, and as a condition now debilitating millions of people. He considers the prospects for mutual aid organising amidst this looming (yet ignored) health crisis.
In a polemical broadside against ‘anti-civilizational’ anarchists (particularly John Zerzan), Brian Morris argues that language, agriculture and technology are essential to the libertarian socialist struggle, and must be defended against the ‘myth of the noble savage’.
Civilization and its Discontents – critical reflections on anarcho-primitivism
The 8th International Anarchist Studies Network conference took place in early September 2024. Here, the organising team share their reflections on the event and suggest some lessons that might be drawn for future iterations.
The Anarchist Studies Network conference is a place to share research, make new friends, meet old comrades and talk about anarchism for three days – but it’s more than that as well. Veteran ASN conference organiser Elizabeth Vasileva shares her reflections on the value of the conference, gives insight into the nuts and bolts of organising the event, and suggests steps we can all take, collectively, to get the most out of this rare oasis of joy amidst the wreckage of contemporary academia.
Anarchist Studies Network Conference Update and Reflections
For the full schedule visit: https://anarchiststudiesnetwork.org/asn8-registration/
And to register (for free online or as little as £1 in person), click here: https://my.weezevent.com/anarchist-studies-network-conference
We are delighted to bring you a new article, with Luke Ray Di Marco Campbell discussing ‘anarchist(ic) interventions in Higher and Further Education’. From their positioning as a Community Development lecturer, Luke Ray considers opportunities for radical practice whilst still meeting the requirements of a university degree programme. Here’s a (handily shareable) link!:
We all know how important it is to warm-up before a grand exertion – so we did another one. Ahead of the 8th International ASN conference in Belfast, we were delighted to host Luis Fernandez and Sean Parson, speaking at Belfast’s newest anarchist space – The A-Centre.
Access the audio recordings here (c. 20 minutes per talk)
We’re also happy to share that registration for the 8th International Anarchist Studies Network conference is now open! Monday 2nd September 2024 is our Online Day, Wednesday 4th – Friday 6th September we will be in person at Ulster University’s Belfast campus in the north of Ireland.
Details on how to register, along with the programme are available here:
However shocking are recent events in and around Gaza, they do not arise like lightning on a clear day and out of blue skies – they may be seen in historical context. This text by AW Zurbrugg goes a little way towards sketching anarchist perspectives on this historical and political conflict.
In the 1930s, and at other times, Anarchists were sympathetic to the concerns of diverse interests and communities in Palestine and commented on developments. Exchanges between Emma Goldman and Reginald Reynolds published in Spain and the World and other texts highlight actual and potential conflicts between long-term residents and new settlers.
As a warm-up for the 8th International ASN conference, we hosted 3 talks in Belfast, followed by some music. You can access the audio recording of each talk, and the music, at the links below.
Máirtín Ó Catháin – Anarchism here, and there
Cassidy Ferrari – Queer anarchist zine culture
David Fox – Anarchist folk music in Ireland, Austria and Greece
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The conference itself takes places at Ulster University Belfast, 4th-6th September 2024. The theme will be Anarchism in/with/as/beyond CONFLICT. Full details here:
Abstracts and paper/panel proposals should be sent by 30th March 2024 to asn.conference@protonmail.com
The American Bar (65 Dock Street, Belfast)
Thursday 14th March – 7pm-10pm (folk club is on afterwards)
The 8th International Anarchist Studies Network Conference is coming to Belfast later this year. To get ourselves in gear, and to encourage local engagement and participation, we’re holding a warm-up event – featuring 3 talks (plus Q&A):
Eventbrite page (booking not required)
The call for conference papers is open until the end of March
Some have plenty, others don’t. Shall we leave the redistribution of wealth to government agencies, charity organizations, and the foundations of billionaires? No. We can do that ourselves, no strings attached. Welcome to DIY Solidarity!
Funding of up to $1,000 for DIY and DIT initiatives/projects. Open for submissions 1 – 31 March 2024.
