ansamlats

Ansamlats are a term used in discussions of political organization to describe a federated network of groups that emphasizes cooperation, voluntary participation, and decentralized decision-making. The concept centers on achieving collective aims through multiple semi-autonomous units rather than a single hierarchical authority.

Etymology for the term is not fixed; it has appeared in various languages and contexts, and some scholars view it as a portmanteau related to assembly or alliance, while others treat it as a newly coined label.

In theoretical models, ansamlats consist of many autonomous cells that coordinate through non-hierarchical processes. Decision-making is often described as consensus-based or sociocratic, with coordination facilitated by shared platforms, mutual aid agreements, and resource pooling rather than centralized control.

History and usage: The term is used primarily in contemporary theoretical discussions and speculative writing about new forms of organization in response to centralized state or corporate power. It is not tied to a single historical movement or institution, and there is no universally adopted charter.

Variants and criticisms: Some proposals describe ansamlats as fully voluntary federations; others envision looser networks with project-specific commitments. Critics raise concerns about coordination overhead, accountability, and sustainability; proponents argue that federated models can enhance resilience and local autonomy by distributing power and resources.

See also: cooperatives, mutual aid networks, federated governance, decentralized organizations.