In this clear and penetrating study, Ruth Kinna goes directly to the heart of this controversial ideology, explaining the influences that have shaped anarchism and the different tactics and strategies that have been used by anarchists throughout history to achieve their ends. Kinna covers themes both historical and acutely contemporary, including: Could anarchy ever really be a viable alternative to the state? Can anarchist ideals ever be consistent with the justification of violence? How has anarchism influenced the anti-globalization movement?

"A valuable contribution to our understanding of this much misunderstood philosophy." - Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States Ruth Kinna cannot be praised highly enough for writing a comprehensive, original and sympathetic work which will no doubt come to be viewed as the key text on the subject. - Simon Tormey, Professor of Politics, University of Nottingham "Kinna is an ideal guide and has written an exemplary work of clarification and explanation. This book deserves to be read very widely." - David Goodway, Senior Lecturer In Political Theory, University of Leeds

Ruth Kinna is Lecturer in Politics at Loughborough University, UK. She is the author of William Morris: The Art of Socialism and co-editor of the journal Anarchist Studies.