PLATFORMISM Meaning and
Definition
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Platformism refers to an ideological and organizational tendency within the anarchist movement. It is rooted in the concept of platformist anarchism, an approach that emphasizes the importance of specific principles and organizational practices for the achievement of anarchism and social revolution.
At its core, platformism advocates for a specific set of principles that include federalism, class struggle, and libertarian communism. Federalism denotes the idea of organizing society into smaller, self-governing units, ultimately leading to the formation of a stateless society. Class struggle represents the belief that the primary source of oppression and social conflict arises from the inherent contradictions within the capitalist system. Libertarian communism illustrates the platformist's aspiration for a future communist society, devoid of hierarchies, where collective ownership and decision-making flourish.
Furthermore, platformism places great emphasis on organized, disciplined, and tightly-knit anarchist political organizations. These organizations are expected to be united around a common political platform, fostering both theoretical unity and collective action. Platformists argue that such disciplined structures enable efficient coordination, better analysis, and strategic planning, thus maximizing the impact of anarchist struggles and facilitating the spread of revolutionary ideas.
Overall, platformism seeks to establish a clear theoretical foundation and organizational approach in order to strengthen anarchist movements and work towards the realization of a stateless, classless society.
Etymology of PLATFORMISM
The term "platformism" is derived from the word "platform", which in this context refers to a political or ideological statement, often in the form of a published document, outlining the principles and goals of a particular anarchist or revolutionary group. "Platformism" is associated with the idea of creating a platform, a unified and organized political position, to guide the activities and actions of anarchists or revolutionaries.
The term "platformism" itself appears to have emerged in the 20th century. It gained prominence through the publication and circulation of a manifesto known as "The Organizational Platform of the Libertarian Communists" in 1926. This document was written by a group of Russian anarchist exiles, including Nestor Makhno, Piotr Arshinov, and others.
The manifesto outlined the principles of what they called "platformist" or "synthesis" anarchism.
