- Question
Is Anarchism possible?
Anarchism describes a diverse range of political and philosophical beliefs, ranging from the individualism of anarcho-capitalism to the communitarianism of anarcho-syndicalism. However, they hold in common a belief in the primacy of freedom: the individual's ability to act according to their conscience, without coercion from or subjugation to an oppressive authority. Often, this authority is identified with the state, along with other hierarchical organisations, both secular and religious. Anarchism has long been derided and dismissed as fanciful and unworkable, even incoherent -- yet throughout history there have been serious attempts to build free societies, organised on the principles of horizontalism, participatory democracy, and mutual aid. Is a free future at all likely for humankind, or are Anarchists just 'demanding the impossible'?
Anarchism is currently possible.
This position holds that anarchism is possible today. It points to historical episodes of statelessness and to contemporary communities run on anarchist principles — such as Rojava and Freetown Christiania — as evidence that large-scale societies can function without centralised authority.
Human beings are not capable of Anarchism.
Either due to our evolutionary and cultural heritage, or the economic processes that underpin organised human society, attempts at Anarchism are doomed to failure.
Anarchism isn't currently possible, but will be in the future.
The twenty-first century has already seen extraordinary technological and cultural changes. These changes will fundamentally alter the human experience. They will open the door to an Anarchist future.