Anarcho-communism

Anarcho-communism is a political philosophy and anarchist school of thought which advocates the abolition of the state, private property, and capitalism in favor of common ownership of the means of production, direct democracy and a horizontal network of voluntary associations, and workers' councils with production and consumption based on the guiding principle: "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs".

History

Anarcho-communism has its origins in the 19th century, stemming from the writings of Mikhail Bakunin and Peter Kropotkin. Kropotkin, in his seminal work The Conquest of Bread, laid out a vision of a society where the needs of each individual are met by the collective work of the community. This philosophy was further developed and spread through the works of other theorists like Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman.

Principles

The main tenet of anarcho-communism is the abolition of the state and capitalism, which are seen as coercive and exploitative institutions that hinder human freedom and equality. Instead, anarcho-communists advocate for a decentralized, stateless society where the means of production are owned communally. Economic decisions are made through direct democratic processes, ensuring that all members of the community have a voice in matters that affect them.

Direct Action

Anarcho-communists believe in direct action as a means of enacting social change. This can include anything from strikes and protests to more radical actions like sabotage and occupation. The idea is to challenge the existing power structures directly, rather than through traditional political channels, which are seen as inherently corrupt and ineffective.

Criticism

Anarcho-communism has faced criticism from various quarters, including other anarchist factions. Critics argue that the model is overly idealistic and unworkable in practice, citing historical examples where attempts to establish anarchist societies have faltered. Others contend that the elimination of markets and private property would lead to inefficiencies and stifle innovation.

Influence

Despite these criticisms, anarcho-communism has influenced various social movements and uprisings throughout history. The philosophy has had a particularly strong impact on the labor movement, inspiring numerous workers' cooperatives and collectives around the world. It continues to be a significant strand of contemporary anarchist thought and activism.

See also

• Libertarian socialism
• Communism
• Social anarchism
• Collectivist anarchism