Historian advocates anarchy

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Contact: Mark Leier, 604.291.5827, mark_leier@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, pamr, 604.291.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca

Today, especially days after the marking of the fifth anniversary of 9/11 - the world's worst terrorist act to date - many would vehemently disagree that "the passion for destruction is a creative passion." But in 1842 Michael Bakunin went down in history for writing those words, and today SFU historian Mark Leier is re-examining the memory and the philosophy of Bakunin, anarchism's first major thinker, in his new book Bakunin:The Creative Passion.

In this departure from his earlier focus on labour history, Leier argues that contemporary society greatly misunderstands true anarchism. Leier describes the theory as “the most dynamic and radical critique of our contemporary world, as it challenges the orthodoxies of the day and challenges us to re-think how we live in the face of global capitalism and the surveillance state."

Leier adds: “In a period when many people are disenchanted with mainstream politics, anarchism has returned as an important philosophy, especially among young people. For that reason, examining Bakunin's ideas and life can tell us something important about our own society.”

Leier, the director of the Centre for Labour Studies at SFU, will talk about his new book and sign copies at a book launch on Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m., Alma VanDusen Room, Central branch, Vancouver Public Library. Admission is free.

- electronic photo file available -