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Russian Anarchism Pioneers: Bakunin and Nechaev's Destructive Passion

Explore the origins of Russian anarchism through the lives of Mikhail Bakunin and Sergei Nechaev. Bakunin, from an aristocratic background, sought to destroy artificial institutions for freedom, while Nechaev's radical tactics included inspiring terror and martyrdom. Delve into their ideologies, influences, and impact on revolutionary movements. Analyze Nechaev's infamous Catechism and its parallels with psychological disorders and deviant behaviors. Reflect on the ethical implications of using destruction for revolutionary purposes and counterarguments against such extremism.

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Russian Anarchism Pioneers: Bakunin and Nechaev's Destructive Passion

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  1. “One Aim -- Merciless Destruction” Nechaev, Bakunin, and the Origins of Russian Anarchism

  2. Mikhail Bakunin (1814-1876): “The Passion for Destruction is a Creative Passion” • Aristocratic family, arcadian childhood • “Man of the Forties,” influenced by German Romanticism, Idealism, Left Hegelianism • Legendary martyrdom • Center of circle of exiled radicals in Zurich, opponent of Marxism • Destruction of state, all artificial institutions, return to primeval freedom

  3. Sergei Nechaev (1847-1882): The End Justifies the Means • Serf origins in industrial hole of Ivanovo • Founder of The People’s Vengeance • Instigated the murder of the student, Ivanov • Nechaev Affair served as inspiration for Dostoevsky’s Demons • Created the image of the modern revolutionary, sketched the organization and tactics of terrorist conspiracy

  4. Questions for Discussion • 1.Consider the revolutionary and the revolutionary group as described/prescribed by Nechaev in his Catechism. What analogous behaviors/attitudes/mentalities have we encountered in our study of psychological disorders and behavioral deviance? • 2.Look at Post’s analysis of individual and group terrorist psycho-logic. Do we find it in evidence in the Karakozov case? In Nechaev’s catechism? • 3.Do you find Post’s argument compelling? What counter-arguments can you offer?

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