Introduction to Political Theory

Chapter 11

Anarchism

Introduction

Much is made in the press about the frequent anti-capitalist protests happening

in various cities throughout the world, and it is argued that anarchists are

behind these demonstrations. The word ‘anarchist’ is often used as a term of

abuse, and is sometimes misused – but what exactly does it mean? What does

it stand for, and why have some argued that anarchism has enjoyed a

resurgence in recent years? On the face of it, it seems an absurdly self-

defeating philosophy, so why does it remain influential? Who does it attract

and why?

To answer these questions, in this chapter we will try to establish what

anarchism is, and how different varieties of anarchism advocate different

strands of argument (see Chapters 1, 8 and 10, on the State, Liberalism and

Socialism, respectively).

Chapter map

In this chapter we will explore:

• The overlap with other ideologies while
  grasping the distinctive character of
  anarchism.


• Philosophical anarchism and free-
  market anarchism, while noting their
  difficulties.


• The views of anti-capitalist anarchists
  such as Proudhon, Bakunin and
  Kropotkin.


• An actual experience of anarchism,
  during the Spanish Civil War.
  
  
  • The problem of violence, and what role
    it plays in the new social movements.
  
  
  • The problem that organisation poses
    for anarchism.
  
  
  • The difficulties that arise when the
    distinctions between the state and
    government and force and constraint
    are ignored.