Average Rating: 4
The Kibbutz movement has received some varied coverage within anarchism, I can remember Chomsky talking about it as an example of anarchism in practice, but as Horrox shows it has been limited. ‘A Living Revolution’ demonstrates that some Kibbutz were basically anarchist in structure and theory and were inclusive of all, being particularly influenced by Kropotkin. However, as Horrox demonstrates it has not always been an easy relationship given the Israeli states role in the Middle East and anarchists being in the forefront of opposing it. Not to mention the perceived link between settling in Palestine (in a Kibbutz or not) and the theft of land and resources from the Palestinians by the Israeli state (and prior to the setting up of said state by the population who moved there). It appears that this has led, even in Israel, to many anarchists rejecting the radical aspects of the Kibbutz movement and thus leaving it to the claws of the religious nut jobs. As such this is a really interesting analysis of the Kibbutz movement that rightfully reclaims much of the past and present of the movement for anarchism. In the text Horrox charts the development of the Israeli Kibbutz movement, the challenges it has faced, its theoretical influences, practical realisation in numerous forms and clearly demonstrates the impact of anarchist thought. He also demonstrates the diversity within the Kibbutz movement and the chapter on contemporary Israeli anarchism is particularly interesting. Having said that it would have benefited from further analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of communes in bringing about social change. In all though this is a great book that fills what seems to be a rather gaping hole in anarchist literature. Highly recommended.
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