massapatista

Massapatista is a neologism used in some scholarly and activist contexts to describe a mode of political action that emphasizes mass participation and decentralized governance, drawing inspiration from the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) movement in Chiapas, Mexico. The term is not associated with a single formal organization; rather it refers to a set of ideas and practices that could be adopted by varied communities or networks.

Etymology and usage: The name combines “mass” with “Zapatista,” signaling both scale and influence of Zapatista organizing. It has appeared in discourse from the late 20th century onward, particularly within studies of social movements, indigenous rights, and participatory democracy. In some contexts, it is used descriptively to analyze strategies of collective action rather than to name a specific movement.

Core features: Massapatista approaches emphasize decentralized, bottom-up decision making; local assemblies and federations that coordinate through horizontal networks; mutual aid and community-based governance; autonomous decision making within communities or networks; and nonviolent direct action. The emphasis is often on participatory processes, consent-based norms, and shared responsibility rather than top-down leadership.

Relation to the EZLN and criticisms: While it draws on principles associated with the EZLN, massapatista refers to a broader, non-formal set of practices rather than a single continuation of the Zapatista uprising. Critics question its scalability, potential for internal fragmentation, risk of co-optation, and fit with state legal frameworks. Proponents argue it offers a flexible framework for democratic participation and social solidarity.

See also: Zapatista movement, participatory democracy, mutual aid, grassroots organizing.