Joyful Militancy

Building Thriving Resistance in Toxic Times

By: carla bergman, Nick Montgomery, Hari Alluri - introduction

Narrated by: Zach Bergman

"Absolutely what we need in these days of spreading gloom. A very well argued case for joyful militancy, and against the dead hand of puritanical revolution. Read it, live it!”—John Holloway, author of Crack Capitalism

Why do radical movements and spaces sometimes feel laden with fear, anxiety, suspicion, self-righteousness, and competition? Montgomery and bergman call this phenomenon rigid radicalism: congealed and toxic ways of relating that have seeped into social movements, posing as the “correct” way of being radical. In conversation with organizers and intellectuals from a wide variety of political currents, the authors explore how rigid radicalism smuggles itself into radical spaces, and how it is being undone

Interviewees include Silvia Federici, adrienne maree brown, Marina Sitrin, Gustavo Esteva, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Walidah Imarisha, Margaret Killjoy, Glen Coulthard, Richard Day, and more.

©2017 carla bergman and Nick Montgomery (P)2025 AK Press

Critic reviews

"This wonderful book, infused and informed by activist experience, emphasizes the importance of the full range of political affects. Anger and rage rightly, inevitably drive militants, the authors argue, but we must also discover joy and friendship in struggle, which are our highest rewards. The book provides not only an antidote for anyone who has suffered the pitfalls of political activism but also a guide to a fulfilling militant life.” Michael Hardt, co-author of Assembly

“The resurgence of the reactionary right has led many on the left to feel overwhelming despair. Resisting the rising tide of dread, this unique, genre-bending book offers a spirited defense of a militant politics of joy—an affirmative theory of openness and experimentation, curiosity and questioning. This is a thought-provoking, morale-boosting, hope-inspiring tonic offered at the moment we need it most.” Astra Taylor, author of The People’s Platform and co-founder of The Debt Collective

"Combining humility, deep insight and open, liberatory theoretical foundations Joyful Militancy importantly, and accessibly, asks hard questions and challenges the rigid culture within activism and social movements that need it. Instead with open hearts and minds the pages within offer thoughts for liberatory openings, not more answers, for all of us to explore within ourselves to radically engage in shifts from rigidity towards joy with sharp edges. This book kicks ass!"—scott crow, author, Black Flags and Windmills and Emergency Hearts, Molotov Dreams

Fantastic Information Horrible Narration

This is a fantastic book with lots of great information about how to stay joyful in times about stress and fear. however, the narration feels as if they've never read the book before. a lack of emphasis on points or convincing quote reading. it feels as if there is a high school student reading their book report in the front of the classroom.

One of the most boring books I’ve read

I’m a leftist. I was expecting something interesting, food for thought… anything. This book was horrible. I want a refund it was that bad.