Dissident Legacies of Samizdat Social Media Activism: Unlicensed Print Culture in Poland 1976-1990

This book explores the dissident imaginary of samizdat activists, their political culture, and the role it played in sustaining the resilience of the oppositional movement in Poland between 1976 and 1990. It argues that the culture's resilience and rewards were due to the correspondence between certain ideas and media practices, such as samizdat social media, which embodied and projected a prefigurative philosophy of political action. This vision of the transition from communism had a fundamental impact on the broader oppositional movement, but both the rise of Solidarity and the breakthrough of 1989 found samizdat social media activists making history that was not to their liking.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 23 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of the dissident imaginary of samizdat activists, unraveling the political culture they crafted and the profound impact it had on sustaining the resilience of the oppositional movement in Poland between 1976 and 1990. Often hailed as one of the most emblematic social worlds of dissent, this unlicensed print culture has captured the imagination of many since the Cold War. However, this book ventures beyond the confines of the Cold War framework, offering a fresh perspective on its historical novelty and significance.

What sets this book apart is its exploration of the interplay between a specific set of ideas and media practices, namely the form of samizdat social media. These platforms, both embodied and projected the prefigurative philosophy of political action, asserting that small forms of collective agency can wield transformative power in the present and pave the way for a democratic new beginning. This prefigurative vision of the transition from communism had a profound impact on the broader oppositional movement.

While the rise of Solidarity and the breakthrough of 1989 seemed to align with this vision, both pivotal moments witnessed samizdat social media activists making history that did not entirely resonate with their aspirations. At the forefront of this book lies the exploration of the internal controversies these activists were embroiled in, shedding light on the nuances of their legacy and its relevance for the networked protests of today.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book offers a profound exploration of the dissident imaginary, political culture, and the enduring significance of samizdat social media in shaping the course of Polish history. It serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of dissent and its enduring relevance in the contemporary world.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 161 x 243 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367756697