Ruth Kinna

Ruth Kinna, a political theory professor, Christopher Phelps, an American studies expert, and Gary Gerstle, an American history professor, discuss the explosive Haymarket Affair of 1886 in Chicago. They explore the labor rights movement's tumultuous backdrop, focusing on the fight for an eight-hour workday and anarchism's role in the protests. The discussion reveals the tragic executions of key figures, the emergence of May Day, and the enduring legacy of the incident on labor activism and societal change.

Ruth Kinna, a professor of political theory and author, delves deep into anarchism's historical and contemporary relevance. She explores how this political tradition contrasts with Marxism and critiques state power, arguing for mutual aid and collaborative politics. Kinna highlights the demonization of anarchist movements in media and discusses their intersections with feminism and critical race theory. She emphasizes the importance of local production to tackle ecological crises and shares her research on non-hierarchical governance structures.

Guest Ruth Kinna, a member of the Anarchism Research Group and author of *The Government of No One*, delves into the concept of mutual aid within anarchism. She challenges misconceptions about anarchist ideology and highlights historical figures like Alexander Berkman. The discussion spans the application of mutual aid in emergency responses by governmental bodies and examines its origins in anarchist thought, particularly through thinkers like Kropotkin. Kinna emphasizes the ethical principles of mutual aid and its vital role during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this discussion, guests Ruth Kinna, a political theory professor, Lee Dugatkin, a biology professor, and Simon Dixon, a Russian history expert, delve into the life of Peter Kropotkin, the Russian prince turned anarchist. They explore Kropotkin's radical ideas on mutual aid, challenging Darwinian views of survival, and his influential writings that shaped anarchist thought. The guests also highlight Kropotkin's interactions with Lenin, his time in exile, and the enduring relevance of his cooperative principles in both society and nature.

Join Professor Ruth Kinna, a leading political theorist at Loughborough University and an expert on anarchism, as she dives into the life of Peter Kropotkin. Discover Kropotkin's radical shift from aristocracy to anarchist thought, and how his groundbreaking concept of 'mutual aid' revolutionized political ideologies. Kinna explores Kropotkin's transformative experiences in Siberia, his insights into cooperation in nature, and the relevance of his ideas today, advocating for a society that prioritizes collaboration and authenticity.