Everyday Anarchism 146. James C. Scott's Two Cheers for Anarchism -- Luke Kemp
30 snips
Feb 26, 2025 
Luke Kemp, a research affiliate at the University of Cambridge and author of "Goliath's Curse," joins the discussion to explore James C. Scott's insightful essays on anarchism. They dive into the joy and controversies of Scott's perspectives, encouraging those curious about anarchism to engage. The conversation highlights the power of everyday dissent, the critique of traditional historical narratives glorifying the elite, and the significance of small acts of disobedience. Kemp also teases his upcoming book on societal collapse, enriching the dialogue.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Historical Perspective
- James C. Scott is a prominent anarchist thinker, influential among academics.
- He challenges the traditional "great man" view of history, advocating for a perspective from the marginalized.
Anarchist Terrorism
- Anarchist terrorism dominated for 30 years, shaping public perception.
- This overshadows anarchism's core tenets and its relatively small death toll compared to state violence.
Disciplinary Boundaries
- Scott's obituary questioned his academic rigor, highlighting a bias against interdisciplinary work.
- His work critiques the prioritization of numerical thinking over lived experiences.
