manifestes

Manifestos, or manifestes in some languages, are public declarations of principles, beliefs, and proposed courses of action issued by individuals, groups, or movements. They are typically polemical and programmatic, aiming to persuade, legitimize a political or cultural program, and mobilize support. A manifesto usually presents a diagnosis of existing conditions, states a normative worldview, and outlines concrete goals or actions for followers and allies. It often uses direct, imperative language to rally readers and to set the scope of a movement.

Historically, manifestos have played a prominent role across politics, art, and social movements. The Communist Manifesto (1848) by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels articulated a class-based program and helped shape socialist movements. In the arts, the Futurist Manifesto (1909) and the Surrealist Manifesto (1924) defined aesthetic agendas and helped launch new movements. In modern times, manifestos appear beyond politics and art, including technological and social contexts, such as the Agile Manifesto (2001) for software development and various feminist, environmental, and digital-age manifestos that propose new organizational or ethical frameworks.

Form and reception vary widely. Some manifestos are brief and highly quotable, designed to crystallize identity and purpose, while others are longer polemics. They can be influential, controversial, or criticized as propaganda depending on perspective and outcomes. In the digital era, manifestos circulate online, reaching broad audiences and contributing to debates about ideology, ethics, and collective action.