The ongoing war in Ukraine represents a flashpoint in global politics, capturing the attention of anarchists, socialists, and anti-war activists worldwide. As the bloodshed continues, accompanied by escalating rhetoric from all sides, anarchists are faced with a critical question: how should we respond? Revolutionary defeatism—an idea born from the revolutionary movements of the early 20th century—offers a powerful framework for addressing imperialist wars like this one. It demands that we oppose all sides in conflicts between ruling classes and work instead toward dismantling the systems that perpetuate war, exploitation, and suffering.
In this article, we will explore the principles of revolutionary defeatism, analyse how they apply to the Ukraine war, and outline a vision for solidarity that transcends borders. Revolutionary defeatism does not mean passive opposition or indifference to suffering. It is an active commitment to building a world where wars are no longer possible.
What Is Revolutionary Defeatism?
Revolutionary defeatism emerged as a response to the horrors of World War I. Revolutionary socialists argued that workers and oppressed peoples should not support the war efforts of their governments, even when framed as “defensive” or “just.” Instead, they called on workers to oppose the war outright, disrupt their governments’ ability to wage it, and turn imperialist conflicts into revolutionary opportunities.
Revolutionary defeatism rejects the idea that wars waged by ruling classes can ever benefit ordinary people. Instead, it seeks to foster international solidarity, challenging the nationalistic fervour that pits workers against each other on behalf of their oppressors.
The principles of revolutionary defeatism remain just as relevant today. In a world dominated by capitalist competition, resource extraction, and geopolitical rivalries, wars are inevitable. But they are not inevitable for us. Revolutionary defeatism challenges us to reject the framework of nation-states and to see war as a symptom of a deeper problem: the existence of states, borders, and capitalism itself.
The Ukraine War: Imperialism Dressed as Defence
The war in Ukraine is often presented as a simple conflict between good and evil: Ukraine defending its sovereignty against Russian aggression. Western media outlets portray Ukrainian soldiers as heroic defenders of democracy, while Russian state propaganda paints its actions as a defence against NATO encroachment. Both narratives obscure the deeper dynamics at play: a clash between imperialist powers, with the Ukrainian people caught in the middle.
Russia’s Imperial Ambitions
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is undeniably an imperialist act. Vladimir Putin’s government has long sought to maintain its influence over former Soviet states, and Ukraine—geopolitically significant and rich in resources—has been a key target. By framing the invasion as a defence of Russian-speaking populations and a response to NATO expansion, the Kremlin appeals to nationalism to justify its aggression.
But this war is not for the benefit of Russian-speaking Ukrainians or ordinary Russians. It is a war to secure the interests of the Russian ruling class, fought at the expense of working-class soldiers—many of whom are conscripts from marginalised regions like Dagestan and Buryatia. These young men are sent to die in a war they did not choose, while dissenting voices within Russia are silenced through repression.
NATO’s Proxy War
On the other side, NATO and Western powers have eagerly supported Ukraine, flooding the country with weapons and military aid. While this is framed as support for Ukrainian sovereignty, it is clear that NATO’s involvement is driven by its own imperialist interests. For decades, NATO has expanded its influence eastward, antagonising Russia and destabilising the region. Ukraine, as a buffer state, has become a battleground for this geopolitical rivalry.
The U.S. and its allies profit immensely from this conflict. Arms manufacturers rake in billions as weapons flow into Ukraine, while Western governments use the war to justify increased military spending and crackdowns on dissent under the guise of national security. For them, Ukraine is not a partner but a pawn—a convenient battleground to weaken Russia without risking their own troops.
The Cost for Ordinary People
Caught between these imperialist powers, the people of Ukraine bear the brunt of the suffering. Millions have been displaced, cities reduced to rubble, and countless lives lost. For the Russian and Ukrainian working classes, this war offers nothing but destruction and death. And for the rest of the world, it brings heightened militarism, economic instability, and the ever-present threat of escalation into a global conflict.
Revolutionary Defeatism in the Ukraine War
Revolutionary defeatism calls on us to reject the false dichotomy of choosing between NATO and Russia. Both sides represent imperialist powers that prioritise their own interests over the lives of ordinary people. Revolutionary defeatism does not mean indifference to Ukraine’s suffering or passive opposition to the war. Instead, it demands active resistance to the systems that perpetuate conflict and solidarity with the grassroots movements that challenge them.
Resisting Militarisation and Nationalism
One of the key tenets of revolutionary defeatism is opposing the militarisation of society. In Russia, this means resisting conscription and the nationalist fervour that fuels the war effort. Anti-war activists in Russia have faced immense risks, from imprisonment to physical violence, yet they continue to resist. Draft evasion campaigns, sabotage of military infrastructure, and protests against the war are acts of incredible courage that deserve international solidarity.
In Ukraine, revolutionary defeatism means challenging the narrative that victory can only come through militarisation and Western support. This is not to deny Ukraine’s right to self-defence but to question whether reliance on NATO serves the interests of ordinary Ukrainians or simply entrenches a cycle of violence.
In NATO countries, revolutionary defeatism demands opposition to military aid and the militarisation of our own societies. The billions spent on weapons for Ukraine could be used to address poverty, healthcare, and climate change—issues that disproportionately harm working-class people. By opposing this aid, we expose the hypocrisy of governments that claim to support peace while fuelling war for profit.
Building Grassroots Solidarity
Revolutionary defeatism is not just about opposing the war—it is about building alternatives. Across Ukraine, Russia, and beyond, anarchists and anti-authoritarians are organising mutual aid networks, supporting refugees, and resisting state power. These grassroots efforts offer a glimpse of what solidarity beyond borders can look like.
In Ukraine, collectives like Operation Solidarity have distributed food, medical supplies, and other resources to those in need. These groups operate independently of the state, challenging the idea that aid must come through hierarchical structures. In Russia, anti-war activists continue to organise despite severe repression, demonstrating that resistance is possible even under authoritarian regimes.
For anarchists in other countries, solidarity means supporting these efforts materially and politically. This could involve raising funds for mutual aid groups, providing platforms for anti-war voices, or taking direct action against militarism at home.
The Global Context of Revolutionary Defeatism
The Ukraine war is not an isolated event. It is part of a broader system of global capitalism and imperialism that perpetuates violence and inequality. Revolutionary defeatism offers a framework for understanding and resisting this system.
War as a Symptom of Capitalism
Under capitalism, wars are inevitable. States compete for resources, markets, and influence, and ruling classes use nationalism to rally support for their ambitions. The Ukraine war is a textbook example: a conflict over territory and power, dressed up as a struggle for sovereignty and security.
Revolutionary defeatism exposes this reality. It challenges us to see beyond the surface narratives and understand that wars are fought not for the benefit of ordinary people but for the preservation of capitalist and imperialist systems.
The Role of Arms Profiteers
One of the most glaring hypocrisies of the Ukraine war is the role of arms manufacturers. Companies like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems have made billions from the conflict, profiting off the suffering of others. These companies lobby governments to increase military spending, ensuring that wars remain profitable.
Revolutionary defeatism demands that we challenge this industry. From protesting arms fairs to disrupting the supply chains of weapons manufacturers, anarchists must confront the corporations that profit from death and destruction.
Imagining a World Beyond War
Revolutionary defeatism is not just about opposing war—it is about building a world where war is impossible. This vision requires dismantling the systems that drive conflict: capitalism, imperialism, and the nation-state.
Toward Stateless Solidarity
Anarchism offers a vision of a world without borders or states, where people cooperate based on mutual aid and shared humanity rather than nationalism or competition. Revolutionary defeatism aligns with this vision by rejecting the legitimacy of states and their wars.
The Role of the Working Class
Revolutionary defeatism emphasises the potential power of the working class to disrupt war efforts. Workers can refuse to produce weapons, transport troops, or support the infrastructure of war. Historical examples, such as the refusal of Italian dockworkers to load weapons bound for Israel in 2021, demonstrate the power of collective action.
Education and Organisation
Building a world beyond war requires long-term efforts to educate and organise. Revolutionary defeatism must be accompanied by the development of alternative structures, such as cooperatives, unions, and mutual aid networks, that can challenge the power of states and corporations.
The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the destructive power of imperialism. Revolutionary defeatism offers a path forward, one that rejects nationalism and militarism in favour of solidarity and resistance.
As anarchists, we have a responsibility to oppose this war—not by choosing sides, but by challenging the systems that make wars inevitable. Revolutionary defeatism is not passive; it is a call to action. Whether through supporting anti-war activists, opposing militarism at home, or building grassroots alternatives, we must work toward a world where wars are no longer possible.
The path to such a world is not easy, but it is necessary. In the face of war, let us stand together—not as citizens of nations, but as members of a global community committed to peace and justice.
NO WAR BUT CLASS WAR