Gualtiero Marini

DOS “NÚCLEOS ÍNTIMOS” AOS “GRUPOS DE AFINIDADE”: EXCURSO HISTÓRICO-BIOGRÁFICO DE UMA PRÁTICA ANARQUISTA

Introduction

Dos “nÚcleos Íntimos” aos “grupos de afinidade”: excurso histÓrico-biogrÁfico de uma prÁtica anarquista. Analisa a prática anarquista de redes secretas de apoio mútuo, dos "núcleos íntimos" de Bakunin aos "grupos de afinidade" contemporâneos, via biografia de Carlo Cafiero.

Abstract

A partir da biografia e da obra de Carlo Cafiero (1846-1892), tentarei analisar um aspecto específico da militância anarquista, ou seja: a tendência a criar redes (geralmente pequenas, secretas e temporárias) de apoio mútuo, solidariedade, mobilitação, com vista à realização de determinadas ações diretas, projetos e atividades coletivas em geral. As biografias desses primeiros militantes permitem evidenciar a relevância dessa prática como meio privilegiado de organização interna. Os “núcleos íntimos”, criados sob o impulso de Bakunin no seio da I Internacional, são o primeiro exemplo dessa prática do ponto de vista da historiografia anarquista. Tentarei ilustrar aqui os elementos de continuidade entre a praxis dos “núcleos íntimos” bakuninianos e a dos chamados “grupos de afinidade” presentes no anarquismo contemporâneo. Até as primeiras décadas do século XX, essa prática resultou na organização dos trabalhadores, na propaganda revolucionária, em tentativas de insurreição ou até mesmo em regicídios; hoje em dia, ela impulsiona muitas das ações de protesto/resistência/sabotagem realizadas pelo movimento anarquista internacional.

Review

This paper proposes a compelling historical and conceptual analysis of a key, yet often elusive, aspect of anarchist organizing: the formation of small, networked, and action-oriented groups. By tracing the evolution from Bakunin's "núcleos íntimos" to contemporary "grupos de afinidade," the research seeks to establish a continuity in anarchist praxis that spans over a century. Using Carlo Cafiero's biography and work as a foundational lens, the study promises to shed light on the enduring relevance of these structures for mutual support, solidarity, mobilization, and direct action within the anarchist movement. This approach offers a valuable contribution to the historiography of anarchism, highlighting internal organizational dynamics that often remain obscured by broader narratives. A significant strength of this proposed work lies in its ambitious attempt to bridge historical and contemporary manifestations of anarchist organizing, providing a fresh perspective on the movement's adaptability and core operational methods. The historical-biographical method, grounded in the life and work of Carlo Cafiero, offers a concrete and detailed entry point into what could otherwise be an abstract discussion of organizational theory, allowing for a granular understanding of how these networks function in practice. By focusing on "núcleos íntimos" and "grupos de afinidade," the paper identifies and articulates a specific, often clandestine, form of organization that is central to anarchist action, from revolutionary propaganda and insurrections to modern-day protest, resistance, and sabotage. The clarity in defining these key concepts and their historical trajectory is commendable and suggests a robust analytical framework. While the abstract clearly outlines the paper's scope and ambition, the ultimate success will depend on the strength of the analytical bridge connecting 19th-century Bakuninist practices with contemporary affinity groups. It will be crucial for the paper to rigorously demonstrate the elements of continuity, beyond merely illustrating their parallel existence. Specifically, the role of Cafiero's biography in revealing the *dynamics* and internal workings of these groups, rather than just their historical presence, could be further emphasized—how does his experience illuminate the challenges and successes of small, secret, and temporary networks? Given the broad historical sweep, ensuring sufficient analytical depth for both the historical origins and contemporary applications will also be important. Overall, this paper addresses a critical and often overlooked aspect of anarchist studies and holds significant potential to enhance our understanding of the movement's enduring organizational strategies. It is a highly promising piece of scholarship.

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