M. A. Bakunin’s attitude to the problem of secret societies
Vladimir A. Isakov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor
Moscow City Pedagogical University, Moscow, Russia, Isakov-va@yandex.ru, https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7804-990X
Abstract
This article examines M. A. Bakunin’s attitude to the significance and functioning of secret revolutionary societies. The author examines the totality of related problems in the reception and transformation of anarchism by the patriarch: the principles of formation of such societies, their role in revolutionary events and in subsequent events to create a new socio-economic structure. The inconsistency of M. A. Bakunin’s position is revealed. In theory, his categorical rejection of the role of conspiracy is obvious, and in practice and his program documents, there is a noticeable recognition of the importance of revolutionaries organized into an underground structure, their de facto leadership role in revolutionary events and long-term presence after the victory to prevent the restoration of the old order, leadership in the dismantling of its economic basis and helping the masses to realize their aspirations. There is no single reasoned assessment of this problem in historiography.
Isakov V. A. M. A. Bakunin’s attitude to the problem of secret societies. Vestnik of Orenburg State Pedagogical University. Electronic Scientific Journal, 2025, no. 2 (54), pp. 176—195. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32516/2303-9922.2025.54.8.
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