In the U.S., anarchism comes out of a very different historical and cultural context from what it did in Russia. And a lot of today's anarchists are anarchists because they find the secrecy and discipline of a Leninist party to contradict everything the revolution they'd like to make should stand for. I'm not an anarchist, but I sure understand why so many radicals today, especially younger ones, find it appealing.
Doug
^^^^^^^^ CB: Also, anarchism is as American as apple pie, and today's young American anarchists identify with anarchism because it is very American.The principle from the American revolution that "the least government is the best government" is an anarchist idea. American political idealists have been pursuing anarchism's appeal since the 1700's.
Anarchism is not fresher than socialism, and its history and track record might be discussed as much as that of socialism when comparing the two.
Also, haven't anarchists used secret and conspiratorial methods throughout their history ? Secrecy is not more Leninist than anarchist.