Contents Spring 2003 I A S U p d a t e . 2 Violence of Everyday Life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories ... 3 What's Happening: Books &. Events ... 9 War is the Health of the State An Interview with Howard Zinn Howard Zinn has been a pivotal figure in the American Left for decades. As an activist and writer, he has influenced generations of leftists and helped encourage a strong commitment to direct democracy, anti-racism, and grassroots action. We asked Zinn about the current changes in the political environment, his theoretical commitments, and some of the challenges faced by radical intellectuals. This interview was conducted by e-mail in the spring of 2003. ~ Paul Glavin & Chuck Morse How would you define the "War on Terrorism"? care, and other social services. Have we seen this What kind of war is this and whom is it directed dynamic before in history and how can radicals draw against? out the connections between the two? The notion of a "War on Terrorism" makes no sense. War against an enemy abroad is always simultaneously You cannot make war on terrorism: it is an ideology a war against people at home, because war always that springs from many sources and one that can draws the resources of the nation into military be located in many countries. The terrorism of activity. One reason why there were Black uprisings September 11* was real, but the United States is during the Vietnam War was that the needs of the using it as an excuse to first bomb Afghanistan, ghettos were neglected in order to carry on the war now Iraq, and to expand American power in the in Vietnam. How to draw the connections? Simply Middle East. point out how much money is going to the military and what human services are being diminished. For So, the "War on Terrorism" is just a cover to example, just the other day, along with stories of perpetuate US global hegemony? the increased military budget there was a story Exactiy. It is also a way to cover up the failure to about the Bush administration taking money away solve domestic problems and build support for a from the school lunch program. President who got into office through a political coup and needs to show he has a mandate he doesn't But in the 1960s the Johnson Administration, while deserve. pursuing the War in Indochina, tried to placate the population with a simultaneous War on Poverty and Today there is all sorts of talk of war: the "War on Great Society programs. How is today different than Terrorism" and the war on Iraq and a possible war that period? with North Korea. At the same time the economy is Clearly, Bush is not trying to placate the population, in trouble, unemployment is up, and local governments are cutting back education, health Continued on Page 8... IAS Grant Awards The Institute for Anarchist Studies annually a world defined by visual literacy, how this relates awards $8000 in grants to writers whose work is to capitalism's use of design and art to "brand" important to the anarchist critique of ideas and products, and how anti-authoritarian domination, have a clear financial need, and signs and signifiers compare and compete. whose piece is likely to be widely distributed. In MacPhee is an artist and activist living in Chicago. February 2003 the IAS Board of Directors was $1200 to Errol Schweizer for his novel "Rage pleased to award grants to the following at Dawn." Two major themes will be present in individuals: this work of historical fiction: the attempt to $1000 to Josh MacPhee for three essays on reform and organize against the present structure anarchism and aesthetics collectively entitled of oppression and construction of a libertarian "Building New Contexts for Anarchist Graphics, and egalitarian alternative. Schweizer hopes to Videos and Films." These essays will focus on present anarchist ideas in a way that can be related how anarchist cultural products are produced in Continued on Page 12... PerspectivesJL onnn anarchistnnnrrhht theorythenrv Institute for Anarchist Studies Update Anarchist Theory Welcome to the spring 2003 issue of Perspectives*. We believe that the IAS, by providing much We are pleased to announce that the Institute for needed financial support to radical writers; by Spring 2003, Vol. 7, No. 1 Anarchist Studies (IAS) has successfully completed offering moral and technical support to both Newsletter of the its sixth year of existence. Once again we have grantees and others; and by encouraging the growth Institute for Anarchist Studies provided grants to exciting anarchist writers, met of critical anarchist studies in general, is an our fundraising goals, and published our bi-annual Editorial Committee important asset to the growing anarchist movement newsletter, Perspectives. in the United States as well as in the world. We Chuck Morse, John Petrovato The IAS has experienced some major changes encourage those with an interest in furthering over the past year. In February, we added Alexis Copy Editors anarchist aspirations to join us and help support Michael Caplan, Paid Glavin, Bhagat to our board of directors and also elected our work. Chuck Morse Michael Caplan of Montreal as the IAS's new This issue of Perspectives interviews historian general director. We believe Alexis and Michael and radical critic Howard Zinn. Also included is a Subscription Rates will make important contributions to the IAS and piece on what everyday life is like for Palestinians Two issues per year help us improve its effectiveness and vitality. who live under a military occupation: what I A S D o n o r s — F r e e The addition of Michael Caplan, our new techniques are used to maintain control; how I n d i v i d u a l s - $ 5 general director, is extremely exciting for us. violence and the threat of such differs from other I n s t i t u t i o n s - - , $ 1 0 Michael is very well suited for the position, as he colonial regimes; and how anarchists may Bulk (25 Copies)-' $25 has extremely strong administrative skills as well understand this conflict and contribute to (Please make checks payable to as a deep commitment to the development of understanding and resistance. the Institute fir Anarchist Studies) anarchist theory. We expect that Michael will Also included is Chuck Morse's regular encourage the IAS to expand in new and improved contribution, "What's happening: Books and Disclaimer: the views expressed in directions. (Please note that we have also changed Events," which reports on new books, articles, and Perspectives do not necessarily our mailing address, indicated in the box below.) other resources that are relevant to the anarchist represent the views of the IAS as a Our new board member, Alexis Bhagat, is also whole. ■ "' "' community. *** .■' - '-,•'■ very exciting to us. Like Michael, Alexis has skills It is our hope that you find the essays, articles, and experiences which we believe will contribute IAS Board of Directors and organizational updates included in this issue Ashanti Alston, Alexis to the IAS. He has a long background in prison of Perspectives to be valuable. As always, we activism, the arts, and is a devoted writer. We encourage people to contact us with questions or Bhagat, Dan Chodorkoff, welcome the two of them aboard. Rebecca DeWitt, Paula concerns. As always, we must give thanks to all the Emery, Paul Glavin, Cindy Lastly, on a personal note, I would like to thank generous friends of the IAS, both new and old, who all the board members who had assisted me over Milstein, Chuck. Morse, have contributed to our fundraising campaigns. It Darini Nicnolas,John the past year as general director. I resign from the is difficult to communicate how inspiring it is for Petrovato position knowing that the organization will be in us to see the anarchist community rallying around good (indeed better) hands. I also feel as hopeful General Director projects such as the IAS. as ever that the IAS will continue to evolve and Michael Caplan In February, we also awarded grants to four become ever more relevant in contributing to the individuals. The projects range from historical development of critical anarchist thought. For more information or a grant analyses, to art criticism and literature, to anarchist cultural studies. More detailed information about ~ John Petrovato application, please send a self- addressed, stamped envelope to: these funded projects is available in the "Grants Awarded" section on the first page. Institute for As the IAS ages, we expect that the work that Anarchist Studies we do, along with the myriad other important 73 Canterbury, - anarchist projects in existence today, will begin to D.D.O, Quebec, Canada have an effect and impact on social change in New IAS Address! H9B2G5 general and the anarchist community in particular. While anarchists already have an important role to Phone: 1 (514) 421-0470;, play in new social movements around the globe and Website www.anarchist-studies.org Email: [email protected] Email [email protected] Web: www.anarchist-studies.oig have provided key critical analyses, we expect that the work that we do today—both written and Phone 1(514)421-0470 Mail 73 Canterbury, D.D.O., Quebec, The IAS is a nonprofit, participatory—to have an essential impact in the tax-exempt organization. coming years. Canada, H9B 2G5 Perspectives•*• on anarchist theory The Violence of Everyday life in the From the New Occupied Palestinian Territories I A S D i r e c t o r By John Petrovato going to school is the highlight of their day and they It is with great honor that I have walk with excitement.