About the author

Peter Arshinov, Father of Platformism

Peter Arshinov, born in 1887, was a Russian anarchist known for his close association with Nestor Makhno in the revolutionary Insurrectionary Army of Ukraine or 'Makhnovshchina'. Coming from a working-class background, Arshinov spent his early years as a metalworker before becoming involved in anarchist activities. He was imprisoned multiple times by the czarist regime for his political beliefs but managed to escape every time, contributing vastly to the anarchist cause in Russia, Ukraine, and even in exile in Western Europe.



His political ideas leaned towards anarcho-communism coupled with a strong emphasis on the concept of workers' self-management. He wrote extensively about these topics, notably in his celebrated work 'History of the Makhnovist Movement' where he detailed the experiences of the Makhnovshchina, advocating for a practical version of anarchism known as 'Platformism'. He argued for the necessity of a specific anarchist organization and discipline, an idea that was influential and controversial in equal measures. Arshinov tragically died in 1937, but his ideals continue to inspire and challenge the anarchist movement globally, offering a potent critique of authoritarian tendencies and propagating the vision of a decentralized, egalitarian society.

Date of Birth: 1887-01-01

Date of Death: 1937-09-12

Country of Birth: Russia

Political Ideas: Anarcho-collectivism, Platformism

Quotes Available: 13