In particular in more popularized accounts and media coverage, Anarchist and Autonomist activists and groups are oftentimes termed “extremist”, a term that connotes ideological fanaticism, as well as a generally anti-democratic political orientation. Also within different strands of research on political parties and movements, one can find examples of these groups being classified as politically “extreme”, then often due to a classification in which “extreme” or “extremist” political actors are seen as antithetical to democracy – as a system and/or a set of beliefs. The aim of the paper is to analyze Swedish anarchist and autonomist activists’ ideas about democracy and strategies for political change, and in the light of these findings critically interrogate the extremist concept and whether it is fruitful to apply it to this movement context. How is “democracy” and “political change” framed within this part of the contemporary radical left? How do the activists reflect upon their own actions and traditional action repertoires, in the light of their ideas about democracy and political change? The analysis is based on both protest survey data and interviews with activists. In the paper, we show that this movement context in Sweden is characterized by a strong sense of pragmatism and reflexivity – both when it comes to ideas and practices – as well as a general aim to expand the democratic practices of society.
