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Renewing the Anarchist
Tradition
An annual scholarly conference...
The Renewing the Anarchist
Tradition (RAT) conference aims to provide a scholarly space
in which to both reexamine and reinvigorate the social and
political tradition of anarchism.
RAT is meant as one contribution
to the project of developing a more rigorous as well as contemporary
theoretical framework for anarchism, and to assist in nurturing
new generations of anti-authoritarian public intellectuals.
Thus, as opposed to conferences that attempt to create anarchist
organizations, statements of purpose, or focus on "lifestyle
anarchism" or how-to workshops, RAT brings together anarchist
and libertarian left scholars, activists, educators, writers,
organizers, students, and others to explore how we make sense
of our own tradition; how we understand anarchism in the context
of our lives, movements, and present-day social conditions;
and how the conceptual tools that the anarchist tradition
provides can and need to be rethought.
Anarchism has tended to be
a dynamic theory and practice, and its influence in anti-capitalist
struggles around the world has become keenly apparent of late.
We are, as it were, inside history, and if anarchism is to
continue to be relevant to this moment of global transformations,
it must not only understand the present but also scrutinize
its own internal taboos and tensions; it must not only be
able to describe contemporary forms of hierarchy and oppression
but also articulate openings for a radical reshaping of social
relations and material conditions along ethical lines. The
work that all of us attempt to do now, the ideas and values
we struggle to put into words and practice, will have profound
implications for how this historical moment structures the
future. RAT is a modest addition to the grand anarchist project
of the present to ensure a freer tomorrow for all.
As in the past, we hope that
RAT continues to raise difficult questions--questions ranging
from the character of social change to the ongoing relevance
of categories such as class, community, and labor; from the
changing shape of the state and capital to emergent forms
of both domination and resistance in a globalizing world;
from anarchism's relation to geopolitical concerns such as
terrorism and war to its ability to grapple with issues of
identity such as race, gender, and sexuality; to a host of
other controversial, contested, or even uncharted subjects.
Alongside a participatory
weekend of presentations, panels, and debates in a supportive
atmosphere, the beautiful rural Vermont setting affords the
opportunity to meet other anarchists and radicals, relax around
a campfire, or enjoy the fall foliage. RAT will also include
a mini-bookfair, free literature tables, and possible film
screenings.
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