Bakunin

Bakunin, Mikhail, 1814-76, Russian revolutionary and leading exponent of anarchism. He came from an aristocratic family but entered upon revolutionary activities as a young man. He took part (1848-49) in the revolutions in France and Saxony and was sent back to Russia and exiled to Siberia. Escaping (1861), he went to London, where he worked with Aleksandr Herzen. In 1868, Bakunin became active in the First International, where, with his militant anarchist doctrines, he had great influence. These doctrines, however, brought him into conflict with Karl Marx, and he was expelled (1872). Bakunin believed that man is inherently virtuous and deserving of absolute freedom obtained through extreme individualism. He advocated violent overthrow of existing states and institutions as a necessary step to achieving such freedom. His writings include God and the State (1882, tr. 1893).

Bakunin's Bum, named after the anarchist philosopher Mikhail Bakunin, is a musical collaboration between Norman Nawrocki and Godspeed You! Black Emperor drummer Aidan Girt. Their first recording, Fight to Win! was released as a benefit for the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty and features spoken word by anti-poverty activists over instrumental music. They are currently on G7 Welcoming Committee Records.

External links

• Page at G7WC website