Pangayaw And Decolonizing Resistance

More about the book

The legacy of anarchist ideas in the Philippines gained global attention through Benedict Anderson's work. Activist-author Bas Umali presents compelling evidence that these ideas remain vibrant in a nation he envisions as an "archipelagic confederation." This book is the first dedicated to anarchism in the Philippines, with "Pangayaw" referring to indigenous maritime warfare traditions. Umali expertly connects traditional communal life in the archipelago with contemporary expressions of antiauthoritarian politics. His essays challenge not only the defenders of the current system but also radicals in the Global North, reminding them that their political frameworks may not align with the realities of postcolonial contexts. By blending independent research with grassroots organizing experiences, Umali outlines a resistance strategy for the Global South that emphasizes self-empowerment rather than relying on Marxist or Maoist frameworks. He tackles vital questions of liberation, focusing on the agents of change and the means of achieving it. More than a mere case study, this work represents the beginning of a new paradigm and is essential reading for those interested in decolonization, anarchism, and social movements within the Global South.