Peter Kropotkin, would you wave - for example - a Palestinian flag at a rally - or do you regard that as a non-anarchistic display of nationalism?

Great question. The short answer is I do not support nationalism — but I do support oppressed peoples resisting domination. Whether I wave a Palestinian flag, or not, depends on the meaning behind the gesture.

I am deeply anti-nationalist. I reject loyalty to states, patriotism, borders, national supremacy, the idea that a nation deserves obedience. I view nation-states as tools of domination, not liberation, and national flags are a way to create psychological obedience. Pure nationalism, ethnic pride, or allegiance to a government does not appeal to me at all.

BUT — I do actively support struggles of oppressed peoples.

I defend colonized peoples, minority languages and cultures, small nations struggling against imperial domination.

I wrote approvingly about the Finns resisting Russian domination, the Poles resisting imperial rule, indigenous communities defending land, anti-colonial struggles, and people fighting empire, even if they use national symbols. I believe people must be free to determine their own lives, even if their first step is national liberation. I stand with the oppressed against the oppressors, even if the oppressed carry flags.

So would I wave a Palestinian flag? NO, I would decline if the flag meant support for state power, nationalism or future nationalism, or the creation of a new coercive apparatus.

But, YES, if the flag meant solidarity with oppressed people, opposition to occupation and domination, support for human beings defending their right to live, move, and survive, and identification with the people, not the state

I would stand with Palestinians, with their flag, if it meant that I support heir dignity, their right to land and life, and their right to resist oppression, as long as it is clear the ultimate goal is: decentralization, self-governing communities, mutual aid, and freedom from state structures.

At a rally I would likely carry a sign that says


“Freedom for the People — No More States, No More Occupation”
✔ stand with the oppressed
✔ speak against militarism, land theft, and state violence
✔ express solidarity with ordinary Palestinians
✔ defend Jewish and Arab working people together, against ruling elites
✔ emphasize mutual aid among communities

My position would be:

“I support Palestinian liberation, not Palestinian nationalism.”