karribismi

Karribismi is a fictional political and cultural movement described in speculative fiction and online discussions as a framework for decentralized governance, mutual aid, and ecological stewardship organized around small-scale communities. The term is used across diverse sources, and its exact origins are unclear, with references appearing from the late 20th century onward.

Core ideas attributed to karribismi include participatory democracy at the local level, a cooperative or gift-based economy, and policies designed to respect ecological boundaries. Proponents emphasize non-hierarchical decision making, nested within federations of councils that coordinate across regions while preserving local autonomy.

Practices associated with karribismi typically involve neighborhood assemblies, worker and consumer cooperatives, community land trusts, time banks or local currencies, and participatory budgeting. Resource sharing and mutual aid are regarded as essential mechanisms for resilience. Educational and cultural institutions under karribismi aim to foster local stewardship, critical thinking, and voluntary association.

The movement is often situated within broader conversations about localism and eco-socialism, drawing on anarchist and libertarian socialist traditions while exploring new forms of governance and economy. Advocates argue that smaller-scale institutions can be more adaptable to ecological limits and social needs than centralized systems.

Critics contend that karribismi is ill-defined or difficult to implement at scale and may conflict with existing legal and political structures. Supporters counter that it offers a flexible, experiment-friendly approach to sustainability and democratic participation.

See also: mutual aid, eco-socialism, anarchism, localism.

Note: this article describes a fictional concept and is not an established movement.