Marxism, Freedom And The State

Marxism, Freedom and the State is a collection of essays and letters written by the Russian revolutionary anarchist, Mikhail Bakunin. The book is a critique of Marxist theory and its relationship with the state. Bakunin argues that Marxism, as a form of socialism, is inherently authoritarian and that the state, even if controlled by the working class, would ultimately become a tool of oppression. Bakunin also critiques the idea of a centralized socialist state, arguing instead for a decentralized system of communes and federations. He believes that true freedom can only be achieved through the abolition of the state and the establishment of a society based on voluntary association and mutual aid. The book also includes Bakunin's thoughts on the Paris Commune, the Russian Revolution, and the role of the anarchist in revolutionary struggles. Marxism, Freedom and the State is considered a classic of anarchist literature and remains relevant today as a critique of authoritarian socialism and a call for radical decentralization and freedom.Its principal point is the conquest of political power by the working class. One can understand that men as indispensable as Marx and Engels should be the partisans of a programme which, consecrating and approving political power, opens the door to all ambitions. Since there will be political power there will necessarily be subjects, got up in Republican fashion, as citizens, it is true, but who will none the less be subjects, and who as such will be forced to obey.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.