History of mystical anarchism (problem of periodization)

Abstract

The article explores the problem of periodization of mystical anarchism. The author sug­gests that most of the disagreements between modern researchers of the creative heritage of the 20th century anarchist-mystics is related to the absence of any historical and philosophi­cal reference point or scheme. The article suggests viewing the whole history of the devel­opment of this phenomenon as an evolution of communities of thinkers who were equally close to anarchist and mystical ideas. Three periods are distinguished: 1) 1905–1907; 2) 1917–1930; 3) 1924–1939. In each period, the author analyzes the ideological principles of a particular community of mystical anarchists, their ability to influence the cultural land­scape of their era, and their conceptual relationship with their predecessors/successors. The terms “mystical anarchist” and “anarcho-mystic” are used synonymously in this text. Particular attention is paid to the emigrant period in the history of mystical anarchists (the study is based on the analysis of periodicals of the Russian diaspora in the United States).