A World Without Governments? Anarchism Explained

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course Political Theory, Ellie Anderson explores anarchism, presenting it as a political philosophy that rejects hierarchical structures and centralized state power. Through examples like mutual aid during the COVID-19 pandemic and historical figures like Emma Goldman and Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, the video highlights anarchism's emphasis on liberty, voluntary cooperation, and anti-authoritarianism. It discusses various anarchist ideologies, including collectivism and anarchist communism, and the challenges of creating a stateless society. The video also touches on the ongoing debates within anarchism, from violent revolution to peaceful mutual aid.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anarchism isn't just a theoretical ideology but is often visible in real-life actions, such as mutual aid networks and community self-organization during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 😀 Emma Goldman, a key anarchist thinker, described anarchism as a philosophy of liberty and argued that all forms of government are inherently violent and harmful.
• 😀 Anarchists challenge the assumption that societies need a central authority or government to prevent chaos, arguing that people are naturally cooperative rather than violent or competitive.
• 😀 Anarchists trace the origins of the state to the rise of private property, with the state serving to protect the interests of the wealthy, rather than the general public.
• 😀 Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, a major figure in anarchist thought, famously said, 'property is theft,' emphasizing the exploitation inherent in property ownership and advocating for collective ownership of goods and services.
• 😀 Anarchism is heavily influenced by socialism, but while Marxists believe in using government to protect workers from exploitation, anarchists argue that any central authority inevitably leads to exploitation.
• 😀 Mikhail Bakunin expanded on anarchism by rejecting all hierarchies, including those of the state, bosses, and landlords, advocating for direct worker control and collective decision-making.
• 😀 Peter Kropotkin, another key anarchist thinker, argued for anarchist communism, envisioning a society where resources are distributed based on need, not labor, with no central state involved.
• 😀 Modern anarchism is debated among various factions, with some, like the Occupy movement, aiming for a stateless society through nonviolent means, while others, like certain crypto-anarchists, embrace technology as a tool for resistance against state control.
• 😀 Anarchism can take many forms, from violent revolutionary acts (like Emma Goldman’s involvement in assassination plots) to peaceful, everyday acts of mutual aid, such as volunteering in community gardens or soup kitchens.

Q & A

What is anarchism, according to Emma Goldman?

Emma Goldman described anarchism as the philosophy of a new social order based on liberty, unrestricted by man-made law. She also argued that all forms of government rest on violence and are inherently harmful and unnecessary.

How do anarchists view the role of governments?

Anarchists believe that governments, with their hierarchies and use of force, are inherently tyrannical. They argue that humans are naturally cooperative and that society can function without central authority.

What is the main critique of anarchism regarding its practicality?

A major critique of anarchism is that a stateless society sounds ideal in theory but is impractical in reality. Critics argue that it would be difficult to organize society effectively without a central authority.

What does 'property is theft' mean in anarchist thought?

'Property is theft' is a famous phrase by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, an influential anarchist. It means that private property represents the labor of many people, but is claimed by a single owner, thus creating inequality. Proudhon argued that property should be owned collectively by those who contribute to its value.

What is the difference between anarchism and socialism?

Both anarchism and socialism criticize economic exploitation, but anarchists believe that any form of centralized power, even one created by workers, is inherently exploitative. Socialists, on the other hand, believe in a state that protects workers' rights and redistributes wealth.

What are the key beliefs of Mikhail Bakunin regarding anarchism?

Mikhail Bakunin, an influential anarchist, opposed all forms of hierarchy, including bosses, landlords, and kings. He advocated for collective action by workers and believed that the state should be challenged directly, even through violent revolution if necessary.

What is Peter Kropotkin’s vision of anarchism?

Peter Kropotkin, another prominent anarchist, believed in anarchist communism, where resources are distributed according to need, not labor. He envisioned a society without a centralized state, organized around voluntary cooperation, similar to the way public libraries operate.

What is 'everyday anarchism' according to Colin Ward?

Colin Ward introduced the concept of 'everyday anarchism,' which refers to the small-scale, non-violent acts of mutual aid that occur regularly in society, such as volunteering at community gardens or helping neighbors, demonstrating that anarchy can be practiced without a formal political movement.

What is the Occupy movement and how does it relate to anarchism?

The Occupy movement, which started in 2011, was a global protest against wealth inequality, with its slogan 'We are the 99%.' It featured decentralized, self-organized communities that sought to challenge economic power without creating formal demands or a centralized leadership, reflecting anarchist principles of direct action and collective decision-making.

What is the divide among anarchists regarding violence?

Anarchists are divided on the use of violence. Some, like Emma Goldman, believed that violence could be a justified means to achieve political change, while others argue for nonviolent methods, such as mutual aid and community-building, as a way to challenge the state.