Anarchism

Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates stateless, self-managed societies organized through voluntary associations. It seeks to abolish coercive hierarchies—including the state, capitalism, and centralized institutions—in favor of decentralized, non-hierarchical forms of social organization. Although the exact arrangements vary, most strands emphasize voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and direct rather than representative forms of decision making. The term derives from the Greek anarkhos, meaning "without rulers."

Historically, anarchism emerged in the 19th century with writers such as Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, who promoted mutualism and the critique of property, and Mikhail Bakunin, who argued for revolutionary method and the abolition of the state. Later figures such as Peter Kropotkin developed anarcho-communism, advocating common ownership and federated councils. Other currents include individualist anarchism, collectivist anarchism, anarcho-syndicalism, platformism, insurrectionary anarchism, and eco-anarchism, reflecting debates about economy, strategy, and how to achieve liberty.

Anarchist ideas have influenced social movements and experiments in self-management, such as workers' collectives, cooperatives, and federated unions. They played a prominent role in the Spanish Civil War and have appeared in modern movements ranging from anti-authoritarian organizing to mutual aid networks. Critics contend that anarchist programs are impractical or destabilizing; supporters respond that centralized systems concentrate power and that voluntary associations can coordinate more freely and ethically.

Scholars distinguish anarchism from liberal democracy and from Marxist statism, noting its diverse methods and objectives. Ongoing debates focus on property relations, conflict resolution, gender and race, and the best pathways toward non-coercive, egalitarian societies.