From Bakunin to Lacan

From Bakunin to Lacan is a 2001 political philosophy book that examines anarchist theory through a post-structuralist lens. Author Saul Newman analyzes core anarchist principles about government, hierarchy, and social organization while proposing new theoretical frameworks. The book develops the concept of post-anarchism by integrating ideas from classical anarchist thinkers with post-structuralist philosophy. Newman engages with works from major figures like Mikhail Bakunin through Jacques Lacan to construct his arguments about power, authority, and resistance. Newman published this work during a period of renewed academic interest in anarchist theory and amid debates within the anarchist movement about civilization and postmodernism. The text sparked discussion and criticism within anarchist circles regarding its interpretation of traditional anarchist thought. The book contributes to ongoing philosophical questions about the nature of political power and the challenges faced by anti-authoritarian movements. Its theoretical synthesis aims to address fundamental tensions between anarchist goals and the practical manifestation of resistance to power structures.

Readers value Newman's analysis connecting poststructuralist thought with classical anarchism, though some find the writing dense and academic. Philosophy students and scholars appreciate the unique theoretical framework linking Bakunin, Kropotkin, and Stirner with Foucault, Deleuze, and Lacan. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex anarchist concepts - Novel connections between different philosophical traditions - Thorough research and citations Dislikes: - Technical language makes it inaccessible for general readers - Some sections are repetitive - Focus is narrow and specialized Ratings: Goodreads: 3.95/5 (19 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (6 ratings) Review quote: "Newman shows how poststructuralism can revitalize anarchist thought, but you need a strong philosophy background to follow the arguments." - Goodreads reviewer The book receives more attention in academic circles than among general readers, with most discussion occurring in philosophy journals and university settings.

Power and Resistance: A Post-Foucauldian Approach by Brent Pickett Applies Foucault's theories to contemporary political resistance movements while engaging with anarchist perspectives on power relations.

The Political Philosophy of Poststructuralist Anarchism by Todd May Constructs theoretical bridges between classical anarchist thought and post-structuralist philosophy through analysis of power, authority, and social change.

Unstable Universalities: Poststructuralism and Radical Politics by Saul Newman Explores the intersection of radical politics and post-structuralist theory through examination of universal political concepts.

Between Deleuze and Foucault by Nicolae Morar, Thomas Nail, and Daniel W. Smith Maps the theoretical connections between Deleuze and Foucault's work on power, resistance, and social organization.

The Politics of Postanarchism by Paul McLaughlin Presents critical analysis of post-anarchist theory through engagement with classical anarchist texts and contemporary political philosophy.

🔹 The concept of "post-anarchism" that Newman develops in this book has become influential enough to spawn its own academic subfield, with numerous conferences and publications dedicated to it since the book's release. 🔹 Mikhail Bakunin, one of the book's focal points, was expelled from the First International by Karl Marx in 1872 due to their fundamental disagreements about the role of the state in revolution. 🔹 Newman wrote this book while teaching political theory at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he continues to be a leading voice in contemporary anarchist scholarship. 🔹 Jacques Lacan, whose theories Newman applies to anarchism, never considered himself political - his work was primarily focused on psychoanalysis and linguistic theory. 🔹 The book was published in 2001, during a period of renewed interest in anarchist theory following the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle, which helped spark the anti-globalization movement.