Mikhail Aleksandrovich Bakunin was a Russian revolutionary, philosopher, and political theorist who played a significant role in the development of anarchism, a political ideology advocating for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority and the establishment of a society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. Born on May 30, 1814, in Pryamukhino, Russia, Bakunin was influenced by the ideas of European socialist thinkers such as Pierre-Joseph Proudhon and Karl Marx.
Bakunin rejected not only the authority of the state but also any form of centralized power, including political, economic, and religious institutions that perpetuated social inequality and exploitation. He believed that freedom could only be achieved through the destruction of these systems and the creation of a society based on self-governance, equality, and individual autonomy.
Bakunin's writings and activism earned him a prominent place in the history of radical political thought. He became a prominent figure in various European revolutionary movements and played an instrumental role in the International Workingmen's Association, also known as the First International.
Although Bakunin's ideas were controversial and often in conflict with Marxist theories, his critique of centralized authority and his emphasis on autonomy and self-determination continue to inspire anarchist movements around the world. Despite his death in Switzerland in 1876, Bakunin's contributions to anarchist theory have had a lasting impact on political philosophy and continue to shape discussions on freedom, governance, and social justice.
