What is autonomism?

[Tzadikim]

Having given a very perfunctory overview of the Wiki page dedicated to it, I come away with the sense that their emphasis was on direct organization of the working class outside of the formalized structure of union or party. If so, I would seem to fit perfectly into this tendency, though I hasten to add I haven't read a single first-hand account of anything it professes. I would also argue that the workers themselves must build those institutions necessary for revolution and must become, to a great deal, self-sufficient before any revolution can be undertaken.

[Sasha]

this book (http://www.eroseffect.com/books/subversion.html - free download at the bottom of the page) is an great intro in both classical italian autonomia autonomism (more marxist orientated) and german/dutch/dannish autonomism (more anarchist orientated).
just ignore the last few chapters where the writer tries to superimpose an unfitting ideaological framework on the previous chapters.

[WeAreReborn]

Well honestly, all autonomy is in the pure sense is personal independence. So to apply that in terms of government forms, and generally anarchy, it would mean that there would either be local independent communes, trade unions or another group of people who work exclusively for their own independent community. The exact type of group is dependent on the type of anarchy. And in terms of self sufficiency, I definitely agree with you. Peter Kropotkin also recognized this fact and emphasized that if a revolution was to break out the first matter of business would be to distribute the food supply to hold over the people for the time being then the people would have to set up the system in which they could create food above all else. The main reason it was so stressed it that the previous French revolutions and communes failed because the leaders of the revolution foolishly overlooked this important detail.

[Tzadikim]

Well honestly, all autonomy is in the pure sense is personal independence. So to apply that in terms of government forms, and generally anarchy, it would mean that there would either be local independent communes, trade unions or another group of people who work exclusively for their own independent community. The exact type of group is dependent on the type of anarchy. And in terms of self sufficiency, I definitely agree with you. Peter Kropotkin also recognized this fact and emphasized that if a revolution was to break out the first matter of business would be to distribute the food supply to hold over the people for the time being then the people would have to set up the system in which they could create food above all else. The main reason it was so stressed it that the previous French revolutions and communes failed because the leaders of the revolution foolishly overlooked this important detail.

Moreover, as long as workers are hooked into the current situation - as long as they identify the fulfillment of their needs with the success of their employer - they'll never attempt to take control of the means of production. It is essential that the working class be able to separate itself to some degree before the revolution.

[WeAreReborn]

Moreover, as long as workers are hooked into the current situation - as long as they identify the fulfillment of their needs with the success of their employer - they'll never attempt to take control of the means of production. It is essential that the working class be able to separate itself to some degree before the revolution.
I agree, which is why it is good that the current riots in Europe are for worker's rights. Although I'm sure the end result will be just a mild reform the fact that the situation is gaining ground is hopeful just in the symbol. Let's just hope that when the time for anarchy comes people will sensible enough to take to the streets for the good of humanity instead of the good for the pig.