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Few social movements in North America have enjoyed as much of a revival in the twenty-first century as anarchism. In the years prior to the Seattle World Trade Organization (WTO) protests of 1999, and especially following the success of those demonstrations, anarchism has reemerged as a vibrant political force. Yet, little attention has been given to ongoing organizing practices undertaken by anarchists as part of struggles in communities and workplaces. The lack of informed analysis of anarchist politics has meant that the actual practices and intentions of this major, and growing, contemporary movement remain obscured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years the dramatic actions of anarchists demonstrating during global economic summits and political party conventions have gathered much media attention. Unfortunately, beyond the largely sensationalistic media accounts, which depict anarchists as violent trouble-makers, very little is known about who anarchists are, what they think, or what their politics actually involve, leaving the activities of a major, and growing, contemporary movement obscured. Lost in sensationalist accounts are the constructive practices undertaken daily by anarchist activists seeking a world free from violence, oppression and exploitation. An examination of some of these constructive anarchist projects provides insights into real world attempts to develop peaceful and creative social relations in the here and now of everyday life. Despite the media portrayals, which associate anarchism and violence, contemporary anarchist initiatives have been primarily directed towards peaceful social change by building new communities and institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]