An Anarchist FAQ (AFAQ) is now at version 15.8. This release is a revision of an appendix debunking an anti-anarchist article by a Marxist.
Reply to errors and distortions in Phil Mitchinson's Marxism and direct action
A revision of an appendix on an anti-anarchist article written by a Marxist
This appendix debunks a particularly poor Trotskyist attack on anarchism prompted by the activism of Reclaim the Streets (RTS) and others in the early 2000s. The original article has little to recommend it beyond repeating commonplace Marxist myths about anarchism -- as such, it warranted a reply as it reflected wider claims being made at the time (and before and since). It becomes clear that the author of the attack article really did not understand -- or, at best, did not take the time -- the ideas and actions he was attempting to critique. As well as ignorant of the issues, it is not even internally consistent. Sadly, it is hardly the only example of such a work.
The initial aim was to add regularly to this appendix, debunking any Marxist anti-anarchist article which appeared. However, this proved to be too optimistic -- for these articles repeated the same nonsense (perhaps not in the same order) and much of it was debunked in section H. Rather than repeat the same evidence and arguments, this time was used for more productive activities.
What becomes clear from the repetitive nature of these kinds of article is that Marxists really have no interest in educating themselves about the ideas they claim to be debunking. Rather, they seem simply to repeat similar attacks by previous Marxists -- such as Marx, Engels and Lenin -- regardless of their accuracy. It also seem clear that they are not really directed at anarchists but rather the party faithful and aim to ensure that they do not look into anarchism. After all, who would if the claims being made were remotely true? Rather than express a theoretical superiority as the authors clearly think, it shows an ideological arrogance built upon ignorance of anarchism and, all to often, Marxism itself. After all, it would appear that the author of this diatribe is unaware of what happened under the Bolsheviks while, at the same time, proclaiming we should follow their example. Rather than engage with the anarchist critique, it is dismissed as repeating "bourgeois slander". Rather than learn from history, most Marxists seem intent on repeating it.
Finally, it should be noted that next year (2026) marks the 30th anniversary of the official launch of AFAQ. Given this, we aim to complete the revision of the various finished appendices by that date. Then we will work on the remaining unfinished appendix on the Russian Revolution (section H.6 does cover all the key issues). There is no date for that yet but we will aim to add to its blog a bit more regularly than previously. It all very much depends on other projects and life -- AFAQ is not funded at all and is dependent on people volunteering to work on it in their spare time. So hopefully understanding and patience will be expressed at its incomplete status after so many years!