Anarchism Now Conference

ANARCHISM NOW
May 7, 2005
University of California, Santa Cruz
Oakes 105
Time: 9:30-6:00

As we enter the 21st century, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. Since the end of the Cold War and the beginning of the open-ended War on Terror, the dominant ideologies, categories, antagonists, analyses of power and the modes in which it is exercised have changed. Accordingly, the theories and praxes of resistance are changing as well.

Among these, anarchism has re-emerged in the last several years as a prominent element within radical social movements in North America and Europe, particularly among those which aspire to act in solidarity with movements in Asia, Africa and Latin America on the offensive against neoliberalism and U.S. imperialism. Many of these draw upon compatible traditions of local autonomy, direct democracy, and resistance to market economies and colonizing institutions. Meanwhile in the global north, the organizing practices and techniques of resistance associated with anarchism have spread widely among activists working for social and economic justice, including those who do not espouse an anarchist ideology.

On May 7th the University of California, Santa Cruz Anarchist Research Cluster and the Center for Cultural Studies will host a one-day conference and conversation exploring and contextualizing contemporary anarchism. Organizing questions include: How can we think adequately about anarchism’s place in current social justice movements? What resources does anarchism present us for addressing the current moment? What is it about this current conjuncture that resonates with anarchism? How might anarchism be a part of re-politicizing the academic left?

The conference will include two panels with ample time for discussion, and an extended lunch discussion. Conference speakers include Iain Boal, Arif Dirlik, Carwil James, John Holloway, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Barry Pateman, Roger White, and Eddie Yuen. The open form of the conference will facilitate a roundtable atmosphere for all to participate actively.

Conference Schedule:
9:30-10:00 Coffee and Introductions

10-12:30 First Panel: “Lessons from History,” “Praxis”
Iain Boal, "Brief Notes on Science, Knowledge and Anarchism."
Arif Dirlik, "Anarchism in China or Chinese Anarchism: The Importance of Local Articulations in Anarchist Practice”
Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, "Why Lucy Parsons is Relevant Today."
Barry Pateman, TBA

12:30-2:00 Lunch Discussions

2:15-4:45 Second Panel “Gods of Market, Gods of State,” “Means and Ends”
John Holloway, “Changing the World without Taking Power”
Carwil James, on Subjectivities of Resistance
Roger White, TBA
Eddie Yuen, "The Uses of Chaos: Disaster, Accumulation, and Popular Anarchism".

4:45-5:00 Break
5:00-6:00 Closing Remarks



Contact: Anarchism2005 [at] graffiti.net