

147. Luigi Mangione and Anarchist Terrorism -- Constance Bantman
12 snips Mar 12, 2025
Constance Bantman, a historian specializing in transnational anarchism and political violence, joins the discussion to unpack the intricate history of anarchist terrorism, particularly through the lens of Luigi Mangione. They explore how nineteenth-century anarchist acts may illuminate contemporary incidents, like Mangione's assassination of a healthcare CEO. The conversation dives into the evolving tactics of anarchists, the moral dilemmas surrounding political violence, and the cultural perceptions of political assassins in America, highlighting their complex legacy.
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Anarchism's Complex Relationship With Violence
- Anarchism inherently proposes a world without violence, unlike liberal democracy which accepts state violence.
- Political violence linked to anarchism reflects broader revolutionary impulses rather than the ideology itself.
Propaganda by the Deed Explained
- Propaganda by the deed is a broad, complex concept involving actions to inspire change, ranging from insurrection to assassination.
- Attentat is a French term for terrorist attack, showing France's central role in anarchist violence history.
Russian Influence on Anarchist Terrorism
- Russian nihilists and revolutionaries significantly influenced early anarchist terrorism concepts.
- The assassination of Tsar Alexander II in 1881 is a key catalyst in anarchist-inspired political violence history.