Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 20:34:24 +0000
From: Iain McKay <iain.mckay-AT-zetnet.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Guy Debord



Hi all

ben asks:

> I have just started reading Guy Debord's 'Society of the Spectacle'
> and have come across something a bit confusing about Bakunin.
> Acording to Debord, Bakunin was in favour of a 'dictatorship without
> a badge, without title, without official right, yet all the more
> powerful because it will have none of the appearances of power'.(#91)
> 
> This conception of an anarchist society is at odds with the one i
> thought most anarchists are aiming for. The only conclusion i can
> come to is that Debord is engaging in a bit of dodgy Marxist slander.
> Can anyone shed any light on this one?

Funny you should ask this, cause I've just written a (longish) analysis
of Bakunin's concept of "invisible dictatorship" for the FAQ. I can
send it if anyone is interested in seeing it (its in draft form just
now). However, in summary:

Bakunin *did* refer to an "invisible dictatorship" but, from the
context of his letters this is found and his politic ideas in
general, he meant the natural influence of anarchists (organised
in a group) within the mass organisations of the working class
and revolution. Out of context, Bakunin's words are pretty 
damning, but in context it basically means "the leadership of
ideas" -- the convincing of people by argument and example of
the validity of anarchist ideas.

As I said, I can mail the list with the essay. Let me know if
anyone is interested. It will be put on-line soonish (hopefully!)

iain