Essays · Chapter
The Dictatorship of the Proletariat and Anarchy explained
Malatesta responds to Fabbri's query on the dictatorship of the proletariat, arguing that anarchists fundamentally oppose any dictatorship as it contradicts the principle of non-government.
What happens
Malatesta responds to Fabbri's query on the dictatorship of the proletariat, arguing that anarchists fundamentally oppose any dictatorship as it contradicts the principle of non-government. He critiques the Bolshevist revolution for confusing revolutionary action with the imposition of a new government, warning that the dictatorship of a party or its leaders will ultimately betray the revolution, as seen in historical parallels with Robespierre and Bonaparte.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Government and Authority
Malatesta argues that any dictatorship, including that of the proletariat, is a form of absolute government incompatible with anarchy.
Revolution and Violence
Discusses the use of armed force by the Bolshevists to defend the revolution, but warns it will later be used to impose the will of the dictators.
Critique of Parliamentary Socialism and Reformism
Malatesta distinguishes anarchists from Marxists and Bolshevists, criticizing the latter for adopting a party dictatorship rather than true worker control.
Characters to notice
- Anarchists
Malatesta speaks as an anarchist, reaffirming the anarchist rejection of dictatorship.
- Bolshevists
Criticized for confusing revolution with new government and for being Marxists who impose party dictatorship.
- Robespierre
Used as a historical example of dictatorship leading to its own downfall and paving the way for Napoleon.
- Bonaparte
Cited as the outcome of Robespierre's dictatorship, who killed the revolution while defending it.
- the masters
Referenced as the Marxist models (Guesdes, Plekanoffs, etc.) from whom Bolshevists differ.
Key passages
“Anarchy signifies 'non-government,' and therefore for a greater reason 'non-dictatorship,' which is an absolute government without control and without constitutional limitations.”
Anarchy means no government, so it certainly means no dictatorship, which is an unchecked, absolute government.
Malatesta defines anarchy in opposition to dictatorship.
“Bonaparte also served to defend the French revolution against the European reaction, but in defending it he killed it.”
Bonaparte protected the French revolution from foreign enemies, but in doing so, he destroyed it.
Historical analogy warning that revolutionary defense can lead to revolution's death.
“It was the dictatorship of Robespierre that brought Robespierre to the guillotine and prepared the way for Napoleon.”
Robespierre's own dictatorship led to his execution and paved the path for Napoleon's rise.
Malatesta uses this to argue that dictatorship inevitably destroys its creators.