Under Three Flags: Anarchism and the Anti-Colonial Imagination
In this sparkling new work, Benedict Anderson provides a compelling exploration of late-nineteenth-century politics and culture against a background of militant anarchism in Europe and the Americas. Jose Marti's armed uprising in Cuba and anti-imperialist protests in China and Japan. Anderson charts the complex intellectual interactions of two great Filipino writers – the political novelist Jose Rizal and the pioneering folklorist Isabelo de los Reyes – with avant-garde European literature and politics, connecting nationalist movements of the era.
Under Three Flags is a brilliantly original work on the explosive history of national independence and global politics.
Paperback, 255 pages
ISBN: 9781844670901
November 2007
$18.95 / £9.99
Other Editions
Hardback, 255 pages
ISBN: 9781844670376
January 2006
$25.00 / £14.99
Reviews
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“Fiercely, movingly local, concentrated on a handful of remarkable men and fateful years, but also expansively global.”
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“Anderson presents his case with the zeal of a researcher uncovering hidden history, referencing an impressive range of sources in multiple languages ... The volume provides fascinating insights into the global flow of anarchic and anti-colonial ideas.”
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“A formidably erudite and beautifully illustrated study.”
Blog
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"A bullet from an anarchist’s pistol changed global politics"
In an article on anarchism for American Interest entitled "The State of Statelessness," Henry Farrell writes at length on Benedict Anderson's Under Three Flags: Anarchism and the Anti-Colonial Imagination—a book with "important lessons to offer." -
Subverting the Big Society
During the student protests and occupation of Conservative party HQ a witty line doing the rounds on Twitter was, 'A problem for the Tories as the big society all turn up at once.'
Writing collectively for the Guardian, the Anarchist Studies Network develop the theme of making the 'big society' into something quite different from the intentions of its progenitors.
Discussions
Begin a discussion about this book-
Is there an anarchist program?
Professor Henry Farrell reviewed Under Three Flags and James Scott's newest book which can be read at: http://www.the-american-interest.com/article-bd.cfm?piece=916. While he raises some interesting questions, he summarizes anarchism too briefly to yield his conclusion that it has taken a good turn since the late 19th century by renouncing "violence" and accepting the fact that states are here to stay. Hence, states should not be overthrown in favor of statelessness. He does note anarchism is an vibrant ideology and its activists are important for building networks, developing solidarities and raising consciousness. I don't think that most anarchists would agree with his conclusions but I would very much like to see their responses to his suggestions!
