New Books Network Alex Prichard, "Anarchism: a Very Short Introduction" (Oxford UP, 2022)
Feb 7, 2026
Alex Prichard, Associate Professor of international political history and author of Anarchism: A Very Short Introduction, discusses anarchism as a lived practice rooted in history. He explores anti-final authority, mutual aid and horizontality. Topics include anarchist violence myths, connections to colonialism and nation-states, labor movements and cultural influences like film and science fiction.
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Authority Without Absolutes
- Anarchism rejects any final supreme authority and seeks non-final, participatory ways to organize power.
- Alex Prichard says anarchists accept authority exists but insist it must be changeable, consensual, and directly accountable.
The Myth And Impact Of 'Anarchist Terror'
- Late 19th–early 20th century violence labelled 'anarchist terrorism' was smaller and more complex than the myth suggests.
- Prichard argues those acts helped states justify policing innovations like passports, Interpol, and security agencies.
Revolution's Promise And Centralization Trap
- Anarchists shared the French Revolution's secular, participatory aims but rejected the nation-state as the vehicle for freedom.
- Prichard notes revolutions often centralize power and then repress anarchists once consolidated.
