The hottest Anarchism Substack posts right now

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Objectivism

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Debate Anarchism
  1. Ayn Rand's idea of acting in your rational self-interest doesn't mean you should always respect others' rights. Sometimes, acting in your interest might involve violating those rights, but it's best to do so wisely.
  2. An Objectivist government, which would need to fund services like defense, struggles with the idea of collecting taxes without violating its own principles since taxation is seen as initiation of force.
  3. The conversation suggests that accepting some rights violations might be reasonable for the sake of a limited government, but there's a debate on whether a stateless society is actually a better solution.

Will you explain anarchism to me?

The Novelleist • 781 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social movements Anarchism
  1. Anarchism is about creating a society without centralized power or authority. It acknowledges that people might still try to gain power, but the goal is to build a culture that resists such authority.
  2. There are questions about how to protect communities striving for anarchy while facing external threats. People are thinking about ways to create temporary spaces of freedom and coordinate efforts across different regions.
  3. For anarchism to flourish, there needs to be a shared global sentiment among people. It’s essential to imagine what an anarchist society could look like, as this vision can help guide the movement.

How would anarchist societies protect themselves?

The Novelleist • 553 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Society Conflict Protection Governance
  1. Anarchist societies might struggle with conflict and violence without a police force or official laws, as history shows many groups resolved issues through harsh means.
  2. The idea of countries without states not going to war seems optimistic; history shows that powerful groups have often conquered more peaceful societies.
  3. It's unclear how communities could operate without structured work and schools while still getting things done, and more examples are needed to understand how this could work in practice.

What is the goal of anarchism?

The Novelleist • 347 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Society Governance Conflict resolution
  1. Anarchism promotes the idea of living peacefully in small, self-governing communities. It believes people can manage their own lives without a large government.
  2. History shows that small communities often face threats from larger groups. To be safe, these small groups sometimes need to band together or rely on bigger organizations for protection.
  3. One way to achieve a peaceful, self-governing life may be to work within existing societies. By forming small communities where people can live as they want, we might promote harmony while still having some protection from the outside.

Am I an anarchist?

The Novelleist • 304 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Anarchism Social theory Governance
  1. Small communities can self-govern effectively, but larger groups may need some form of governance to ensure good behavior among members. This raises questions about whether a decentralized system still counts as anarchist.
  2. People want similar goals across different ideologies, like a more equitable and environmentally conscious society. The focus should be on improving our current systems rather than starting from scratch.
  3. Open borders could change the dynamics of power between countries. If people can easily leave bad governments, those governments might be less likely to wage war or act poorly to keep their citizens.
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Humans are good (except for that one guy)

The Novelleist • 1075 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Ethics Social Structures Anarchism
  1. There are good people who do positive things, but also 'that guy' who causes harm and makes rules and regulations necessary.
  2. Bad actors may be a small percentage, but their impact can be significant, leading to the need for larger systems to handle such individuals.
  3. While rules and regulations are essential for addressing bad behavior, they can sometimes become burdensome due to the actions of a few individuals.

The "letters to an anarchist" post-mortem

The Novelleist • 141 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Ethics Social Change Correspondence
  1. Peter and Elle wrote a year-long series of letters about anarchism, discussing various topics related to the philosophy. It's an effort to understand and explain anarchism more deeply.
  2. They published their correspondence in eight parts, covering ideas like the goals of anarchism and how societies can protect themselves without traditional governance.
  3. They also held an event to share their experiences and respond to readers' feedback, highlighting the importance of open dialogue in exploring complex ideas.

A Second Note on the Spanish Civil War Series

Fisted by Foucault • 145 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💾 History Anarchism
  1. The series will explore the events leading up to the Spanish Civil War, covering phases like pre-Civil War, the failed military coup, and the civil war itself.
  2. The author will delve into various aspects such as the different sides of the conflict, key groups, violent early months, and international involvement.
  3. Readers can expect a detailed and extensive series that will take time to unfold, providing a thorough understanding of this historical episode.

The State

Fake Noûs • 342 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📖 Philosophy Authority Utilitarianism Fairness Social contract Anarchism
  1. The problem of authority in political philosophy questions the basis for political legitimacy and obligation.
  2. The Utilitarian Account suggests the state's authority comes from providing social order, but doesn't explain unnecessary laws.
  3. Anarchism challenges the notion of state authority, advocating for minimal coercive activities and privatization of necessary government functions.

Todavía en España

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 20 Jun 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Paintings Photography Creativity Anarchism Travel
  1. The author reflects on their experience of being stranded in Spain due to COVID and expresses frustration with the government's handling of the situation.
  2. The author shares personal thoughts on anarchism and their disillusionment with nations, declaring themselves an "underground citizen of earth."
  3. The author discusses the power of creativity and freedom, highlighting the importance of art in resisting imprisonment and expressing individuality.

Anarchist hero Murray Bookchin was a Zionist who whitewashed Israeli colonialism and war crimes

Geopolitical Economy Report • 59 implied HN points • 14 Jun 19
🌍 World Politics Anarchism Zionism Colonialism War Crimes
  1. Murray Bookchin, an anarchist hero, had controversial views about Zionism and Israeli colonialism.
  2. Bookchin's ideas on social ecology and libertarianism garnered him a saint-like status within the anarchist community.
  3. The article sheds light on Bookchin's complexities regarding his stance on Israeli actions and his anarchist beliefs.

Logan Marrow: Edeologies: Taoist Anarchism

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Ideology Society Ethics
  1. Taoist Anarchism challenges traditional political labels like left/right, emphasizing living in harmony with the world as it is.
  2. The concept of vinegar tasters signifies different philosophical views - Confucius wanting to change, Buddha accepting suffering, and Lao Tzu embracing the present.
  3. Taoist Anarchism suggests a society without defined ideologies where people act naturally based on their environment, steering away from bureaucratic systems.