Black flags and social movements is an in-depth study of contemporary anarchist movements as understood and interpreted by social movement theories and political sociology. Using unique data gathered by the anarchist community, Williams presents longitudinal and international analyses that focuses upon who anarchists are and where they may be found. 

Scholars have avoided engaging with the contradictions and complications that anti-state movements present for their theories, yet many social movement ideas - including political opportunity, new social movements, and social capital theory - are relevant and adaptable to understanding anarchist movements. Due to their numbers and identities as radical anti-authoritarians anarchists often find themselves collaborating with other social movements, bringing along their values, ideas and tactics. This book will demystify anarchist movements using these various vantage points. 

Black Flags and Social Movements will be of interest to sociologists and those studying social movement and anarchism.