Antiauthoritarian

Antiauthoritarian is a stance or philosophy that opposes coercive authority and hierarchical power, especially within political and social institutions. It encompasses positions that favor autonomy, voluntary association, direct democracy, and decentralized organization. Adherents argue that authority should be justified by consent and accountability rather than inherited status or state coercion.

Origins and related traditions: The term is often associated with anarchist thought, libertarian socialism, autonomism, and other anti-authoritarian currents that critique the state, large corporations, and centralized religious or cultural authorities. Historically, antiauthoritarian ideas emerged in critiques of monarchy, church privileges, and modern state power, influencing experiments in self-management, cooperatives, and federated councils.

Principles and methods: Emphasis on self-governance, participatory decision-making, mutual aid, voluntary association, and resistance to coercive domination. Methods include direct action, grassroots organizing, consensus or participatory voting, and decentralized networks.

Critiques and limitations: Critics question the feasibility of large-scale antiauthoritarian systems, addressing external threats, ensuring fair decision-making, and sustaining cooperation. Debates include how to balance freedom with security and how to resolve conflicts without centralized judiciary or police.

See also: Anarchism, libertarian socialism, participatory democracy, mutual aid, autonomism.