autonomes

Autonomes is a term used primarily in German-speaking contexts to describe members of a radical-left autonomist current that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s. The Autonomen advocate autonomous, anti-authoritarian, anti-capitalist politics and oppose traditional party and union structures. They emphasize prefigurative politics, seeking to organize in ways that reflect the society they want to build, rather than through conventional state or party channels.

History and scope

The movement began in West Germany amid student protests, anti-nuclear campaigns, and anti-imperialist struggles, and soon spread to other German-speaking areas. Influences included Marxist theory, anarchism, and Situationist ideas about everyday life and social critique. Autonome groups favor decentralized organization, affinity networks, and informal collectives rather than centralized leadership. Their activities have encompassed urban self-management initiatives, squatted social centers, and participatory cultural projects, in addition to street protests and demonstrations.

Tactics and controversy

Autonomous activism commonly prioritizes direct action and self-organization. Some campaigns are associated with confrontational tactics, including demonstrations organized in a “black bloc” format to maintain anonymity. Police interactions and incidents of property damage occurred in certain campaigns, leading to ongoing public and legal controversies. The movement is not monolithic; groups range from nonviolent advocacy to more militant strands.

Legacy

The autonomes movement contributed to the development of urban protest culture, autonomous social centers, and broader anti-authoritarian, anti-fascist, and anti-globalization activism in Germany and nearby regions. Its influence persists in certain sectors of radical-left activism, though most groups have shifted toward newer movements and networks since the 1990s and 2000s.