Essays · Chapter
Anti-Militarism explained
A critical letter from E.
What happens
A critical letter from E. Malatesta to Freedom, challenging Kropotkin's stance on anti-militarism. Malatesta argues that true anti-militarism means refusing military service at the command of the masters and fighting only for the Social Revolution, whereas Kropotkin's position—supporting a country that is invaded—effectively submits to government orders and undermines anarchist principles. Malatesta warns that Kropotkin's anti-German prejudices and focus on national questions before social ones risk aligning workers with their oppressors.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and ideological rupture between the author…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Critique of Government and Authority
Malatesta argues that Kropotkin's anti-militarism effectively obeys government orders, betraying anarchist opposition to state authority.
- Internationalism and Anti-Patriotism
Malatesta insists that national rivalries are tools of the masters and that workers must oppose all governments, not side with any nation.
- Individual Freedom and Self-Determination
The right of small nationalities to language and customs is framed as a question of liberty, to be solved only after state destruction.
Characters to notice
- Kropotkin
Criticized by Malatesta for his article on anti-militarism, accused of forgetting class antagonism and advocating support for invaded countries, effectively obeying government orders.
- Anarchists
Implied as the community Malatesta addresses; he distinguishes true anarchist anti-militarism from Kropotkin's position.
- the masters
Identified as those who command military service and perpetuate worker slavery through national rivalries.
Key passages
“anti-militarism is the doctrine which affirms that military service is an abominable and murderous trade, and that a man ought never to consent to take up arms at the command of the masters, and never fight except for the Social Revolution.”
Anti-militarism holds that military service is a horrible, murderous profession, and that one should never obey the masters' orders to bear arms, fighting only for the Social Revolution.
Malatesta's core definition of anti-militarism, contrasting with Kropotkin's view.
“Kropotkin seems to have forgotten the antagonism of the classes, the necessity of economic emancipation, and all the Anarchist teachings; and says that an anti-militarist ought always to be ready, in case a war breaks out, to take arms in support of the 'country that will be invaded'”
Kropotkin appears to ignore class struggle, economic liberation, and anarchist principles by suggesting anti-militarists should fight for an invaded country.
Malatesta's accusation that Kropotkin's position contradicts anarchist fundamentals.
“national rivalries and hatreds are among the best means the masters have for perpetuating the slavery of the workers, and we must oppose them with all our strength.”
National rivalries and hatreds are key tools the masters use to keep workers enslaved, and we must resist them vigorously.
Malatesta's internationalist argument against prioritizing national questions over social revolution.
