Left-wing convergence: An introduction

Abstract

In this article, we argue that despite there being little evidence of an ideological convergence between Marxism and anarchism, such a convergence is not only sorely needed, but also eminently possible. We propose an open discussion on the appropriate terms of such a convergence, the context in which it should take place, and the reasons why it should. We close by showing how our contributors to this special issue open this debate for us in promising ways.

Introduction: pluriversality, convergence, and hybridity in the global left

“…The opportunities for reordering world politics from the bottom up, particularly through the nation state, seem sparse indeed. As we argued in our previous collection, pluriversality, convergence and hybridity on the left, is not just an option but a necessity in our contemporary world order (Prichard and Worth 2016).…”

“…Conceptual and theoretical convergence, historical and contemporary, were surveyed in pervious work (Prichard et al 2012;Prichard and Worth 2016). Our aim with this special was to invite contributors to speak about and from within (where possible) social movements in which this convergence takes place.…”

Building revolutionary subjectivity: creative tensions in thePlataforma de Afectados por La Hipoteca

“…The movement's political significance can be seen in the election of PAH co-founder and one-time spokesperson, Ada Colau, as mayor of Barcelona in 2015. As such, understanding what allows this combination of radical politics and broad public support is essential for any exploration of the possibilities for left-wing convergence (Prichard & Worth, 2016). The research is based on 31 interviews with PAH activists, 10 observations of assemblies in different PAH groups in the greater Barcelona area, 11 observations of acts of civil disobedience and 3 visits to buildings occupied by PAH.…”

Revolutionary practice and prefigurative politics: A clarification and defense

“…This article shows how certain components of Marx's thought are relevant and interesting to the theory and practice of radical democratic movements today, showing non‐Marxist radical thinkers how Marx's theory of practice can help to make sense of and contribute to the important topic of prefigurative politics, and thereby helping to bring this aspect of Marx's thought into dialogue with some related radical democratic and anarchist thought. In fact, since I believe the original anarchist arguments for prefigurative politics spring from a theory of practice shared by Marx and Bakunin (Schmidt & van der Walt, ), I contend that this offers a potentially fruitful way of bringing Marxism and anarchism into, if not convergence, at least closer contact (Franks, , Ness, ; Prichard, & Worth, ). Prefigurative politics is a key point of disagreement between anarchists and many Marxists, going back to debates in the First International (see Eckhardt, ), but casting it as a difference between Marxism and anarchism in general is misleading in light of the strategic varieties of Marxism, some of which embrace it (Choat, ).…”