by Brian Bergen-Aurand Of late, I’ve encountered a number of objections to my critical speculations based on the idea that anarchism and similar non-hierarchical, non-coercive collective political theories have no place in an “Asian” setting. The argument against them is that they are simply another set of imported European philosophies, another paradigm of cultural Imperialism, … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Anarchism
Five Films for a May Day Weekend
by Brian Bergen-Aurand Here are five films in honor of International Workers Day weekend, in no particular order. Salt of the Earth. 1954. Director, Herbert J. Biberman. Writer, Michael Wilson. Stars, Juan Chacón, Rosaura Revueltas, Will Geer. Born in Flames. 1983. Director, Lizzie Borden. Writers, Lizzie Borden and Ed Bowes. Stars, Honey, Adele Bertei, … Continue reading
The Awe Full Republic
by Brian Bergen-Aurand Hereby it is manifest that, during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war, and such a war as is of every man against every man…. In such condition there is no place for industry, because the … Continue reading
ZOMIA MUST BE DEFENDED! (PART 3 / FINAL)
by Brian Bergen-Aurand The argument, in short, is that the history of hill peoples is best understood as a history not of archaic remnants but of “runaways” from state-making processes in the lowlands: a largely “maroon” society, providing that we take a very long historical view. Many of the agricultural and social practices of hill … Continue reading
Zomia must be defended! (part 2)
by Brian Bergen-Aurand State rulers find it well nigh impossible to install an effective sovereignty over people who are constantly in motion, who have no permanent pattern of organization, no permanent address, whose leadership is ephemeral, whose subsistence patterns are pliable and fugitive, who have few permanent allegiances, and who are liable, over time, to … Continue reading
Zomia must be defended! (part 1)
by Brian Bergen-Aurand At a time when the state seems pervasive and inescapable, it is easy to forget that for much of history, living within or outside the state–or in an intermediate zone–was a choice, one that might be revised as the circumstances warranted. A wealthy and peaceful state center might attract a growing population … Continue reading
Foreign Influence 