Black flags and social movements is an in-depth study of contemporary anarchist movements as understood and interpreted by social movement theories and political sociology. Using unique data gathered by the anarchist community, Williams presents longitudinal and international analyses that focuses upon who anarchists are and where they may be found.

Scholars have avoided engaging with the contradictions and complications that anti-state movements present for their theories, yet many social movement ideas - including political opportunity, new social movements, and social capital theory - are relevant and adaptable to understanding anarchist movements. Due to their numbers and identities as radical anti-authoritarians anarchists often find themselves collaborating with other social movements, bringing along their values, ideas and tactics. This book will demystify anarchist movements using these various vantage points.

Black Flags and Social Movements will be of interest to sociologists and those studying social movement and anarchism.

Dana M. Williams is an Associate Professor of Sociology at California State University, Chico

Preface: Where Does Anarchy Begin?
Part I: Movement Overview
1. Introduction to Social Movements: Anarchism as a Unique Example
2. Anarchists as Individuals: A Micro-Structural Analysis
3. Anarchists of the World, Unite! A Meso-Structural Analysis
Part II: Theoretical Interpretation
4. The Significance of Social Movement Theory to Anarchism
5. Anti-State Political Opportunities
6. Anarchism as a "New Social Movement"?
7. Social Capital in Anarchist Movements
Part III: Interaction
8. Radical Isomorphism and the Anti-Authoritarian Diffusion of Leaderless Organizations
9. Conclusion: Revisiting the Epistemology of Anarchist Movements
Appendix A: Sources of knowledge and error
Bibliography