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There are problems to anarchism as to any other tradition of thought. But perhaps the problems in anarchism are more troublesome than in other traditions. Or perhaps the problems are great only because the intra-anarchism problems are compared not to intra-statist problems but to individual traditions within statism, such as liberalism, socialism, or conservatism.
This sub section discusses anarchism compared to other traditions as well as the differences and similarities between individual anarchist factions. The essays have been carefully prepared and edited by the Anarchism.net editors with the sole purpose to provoke, tease, surprise, and strengthen you, be you anarchist or not.
The essays try to undo the hostility between anarchist factions through discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each faction without prejudice and in a totally honest and open fashion. What we are trying to do here is to emphasize common anarchist values to form a foundation from which we can grow in strength and numbers. Also, we shed light on unnecessary sources of conflict or disagreement in order to unite anarchists around anarchism’s core.
Anarchists in all countries unite.
To add your essay on anarchism, please send it in an e-mail to info[at]anarchism.net
To Anarchism We Must Go!
[July 6, 2007] The state, i.e., government, is usually described in fluffy terms so that its true nature is hidden in positive and value laden terminology with sole purpose to hide what it is all about. Jamie Poole knows how to spell the truth and doesn’t fear to do so--with no fluff.
Abstain From Beans
[August 20, 2006] In this classic, Robert LeFevre shows why anarchists should abstain from voting. If it’s humiliating to be ruled, how much more humiliating is it to choose your own masters?
Private Property or Possession: A Synthesis
[September 7, 2005] Is it possible to unite the anarchist movement around a single, common understanding of ownership rights? This essay introduces a “use-right” theory that merges all the great ideas put forward in the three dominant standpoints in anarchism. This could make all other theories obsolete. But is it enough to rejoin the anarchist movement, or does it simply annoy anarchists of all camps thereby reinforcing the split?
Insanity as the Social Norm
[January 31, 2005] Anarchists are themselves their greatest enemy. While claiming they have left the outdated government-centered way of thinking most anarchists can’t seem to break free from that very structure in defining anarchy. This is the answer to why anarchists cannot agree with each other, and the very reason anarchists stress their differences rather than working towards the same goal.
Anarchism and Politics in History
[September 12, 2004] Anarchists claim to oppose all measures of oppression, such as the measures of state and the government. Yet some anarchists take part in political activities and even cast votes in general elections. The early anarchists, like Proudhon, were sometimes even members of parliament. What has been the anarchist idea in practice through-out history--can anarchists take part in politics?
Three Arguments for Anarchy
[August 27, 2004] Anarchism can mean many things, but to an anarchist it usually means non-oppression, non-hierarchy, and thus equality among men. To an anarchist a superficial organization has to exist through the people in the organization--the organization does not have a life of its own and cannot have rights. It is legitimized only by its members and subjects. So what legitimizes the state, and more importantly: why should it be abolished?
Structure of Anarchist Society
[August 16, 2004] Many conflicts within the anarchist movement is about views of the character of the post-state, anarchist society. Hopes and dreams about the free society sometimes turn into mandatory blueprints where one’s own blueprint is the “correct” one. But anarchist society, in its very foundation, is voluntary and free--can there be blueprints for the behavior and choices of free men?
Anarchism, Capitalism, and Anarcho-Capitalism
[July 6, 2004] There is no concept as thoroughly hated and refuted as the anarchism advocating capitalism--the so-called “anarcho-capitalism.” This term, it is claimed, is an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms, since the anarchist movement historically and fundamentally is socialist. This essay criticizes the debate and discusses anarchism and anarcho-capitalism.
Anarchism, Barter Trade and the Market
[June 10, 2004]The oppressive and exploitative capitalist system must be abandoned to the advantage of a free society where every man owns his labor. Barter trade is the ethically and morally justified market, where each and everyone can exchange the product of their labor with others. This essay asks the question of what the fundamental difference between barter and market capitalism is.
The Common Goal of Anarchism
[June 10, 2004]The hostility between different branches of anarchism is the greatest obstacle to accomplishing the anarchist society. Anarchists disagree on how to deal with the state, how to abolish it, and what the anarchist society would be like. Do these different kinds of anarchism have nothing in common?
 
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Anarchism.net editors and authors.
