Postanarchism

Postanarchism is a school of thought that emerged in the late 20th century, building upon and often critiquing traditional anarchist philosophies. It integrates concepts from post-structuralist and postmodernist thought, such as deconstruction, discourse theory, and the critique of grand narratives, into anarchist analysis. Postanarchists often question the stability of core anarchist concepts like the "self" or "society," viewing them as socially constructed rather than essential.

Key figures associated with postanarchism include Hakim Bey, Saul Newman, and Lewis Call. They often engage with the works of thinkers like Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, and Gilles Deleuze. Postanarchism tends to be more skeptical of utopian visions and revolutionary teleologies, focusing instead on the critique of power in its myriad forms, including its operation through language, knowledge, and social norms.

While sharing anarchism's fundamental opposition to hierarchy and domination, postanarchism emphasizes the fluidity and multiplicitous nature of power. It is less concerned with establishing a specific anarchist society and more focused on dismantling existing power structures and exploring possibilities for freedom in a world where absolute liberation may be unattainable. The term itself is sometimes debated, with some preferring to see it as a development or extension of anarchist thought rather than a distinct category.