Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Negri passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of influential ideas and contributions to political theory. Negri’s death was announced by Democracy Now! on their Twitter account, sharing a link to an article about his life and work.
Antonio Negri was born on August 1, 1933, in Padua, Italy. He began his academic career as a professor of law at the University of Padua in the 1960s. During this time, Negri became involved in left-wing politics and emerged as a prominent figure within the Italian Communist Party. He was known for his critical analysis of capitalism and his advocacy for workers’ rights.
Negri’s most famous work is the book “Empire,” which he co-authored with Michael Hardt. This seminal work, published in 2000, explores the concept of globalization and its impact on contemporary political and economic systems. “Empire” argues that power is no longer concentrated in traditional nation-states but has shifted to a global network of corporations and institutions.
The book gained widespread attention and sparked intense debates within academic circles. It influenced a generation of scholars and activists, inspiring movements such as the alter-globalization movement and Occupy Wall Street. Negri’s ideas challenged conventional thinking and offered a new perspective on the dynamics of power and resistance in the modern world.
In addition to his theoretical work, Negri was also involved in practical politics. He was a member of the Potere Operaio (Workers’ Power) organization in the 1970s and played a key role in the Autonomia Operaia (Workers’ Autonomy) movement. These political movements emphasized workers’ self-organization and autonomy, advocating for radical changes in society.
Negri’s political activities led to his arrest in 1979. He was accused of being the mastermind behind the Red Brigades, a left-wing terrorist group responsible for several high-profile kidnappings and assassinations in Italy during the 1970s. Negri’s trial became a symbol of the state’s crackdown on left-wing activism, and he was sentenced to several years in prison.
While in prison, Negri continued to write and develop his ideas. He published numerous books and essays during this period, including “The Savage Anomaly” and “Insurgencies.” These works explored themes such as the nature of power, the role of the state, and the possibilities for radical political change.
Upon his release from prison in 1997, Negri became involved in Italian politics once again. He was elected to the Italian Parliament as a member of the Communist Refoundation Party. However, his time in Parliament was short-lived, as he was expelled in 2003 after being convicted of association and insurrection against the state.
Despite facing numerous legal challenges and controversy throughout his life, Negri remained committed to his political ideals and continued to advocate for a more just and equitable society. His work had a lasting impact on political theory and activism, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated by scholars around the world.
Antonio Negri’s death marks the end of an era for Marxist philosophy and political theory. His contributions to the field will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. As the world reflects on his life and work, it is clear that Negri’s ideas have left an indelible mark on the understanding of power, resistance, and social change..
Source : @democracynow
Italian Marxist Philosopher Antonio Negri Dies at 90 https://t.co/v0d18md0O4
— Democracy Now! (@democracynow) December 20, 2023