ANARCHISM

INTRODUCTION TO ANARCHISM

• The term "anarchism" originates from the Greek

words "anarkhia," where "an" means "without" and
"arkhos" means "ruler" or "authority."
• Anarchism translates to "without rulership" or "without authority."
This reflects the core principle of anarchism, which advocates for the
absence of hierarchical authority and the decentralization of power.
• Anarchism began to emerge as a recognizable political philosophy in
Europe during the mid-19th century, drawing on Enlightenment
ideals, early social movements, influential thinkers like Proudhon and
Bakunin, and revolutionary events such as the French Revolution and
the Paris Commune.
ULTIMATE GOAL OF ANARCHISM
• The ultimate goal of anarchism is to create a society based on
principles of voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and decentralized
decision-making, where hierarchical authority and coercive power
structures such as the state and capitalism are abolished.
EXAMPLE
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
was a complex and tumultuous conflict that
erupted in Spain between Republican and
Nationalist forces. It began with a military
coup led by General Francisco Franco
against the democratically elected Second
Spanish Republic. The war saw significant
involvement from various factions,
including Republicans, Nationalists,
anarchists, communists, and fascists.
SIGNIFICANCE
• The significance of anarchism lies in its critique of hierarchical
authority and its advocacy for individual freedom, autonomy, and
voluntary cooperation. It challenges power structures, promotes
freedom, inspires social movements, offers alternative social models,
and enriches political theory.
MIKHAIL ALEKSANDROVICH
BAKUNIN
HISTORY
- was the chief propagator of 19th-
century anarchism, a prominent
Russian revolutionary agitator,
and a prolific political writer. His
quarrel with Karl Marx split the
anarchist and Marxist wings of the
revolutionary socialist movement
for many years after their deaths.
WAY OF LIFE

- Bakunin led a life of political activism and intellectual pursuit.

He dedicated himself to the cause of social justice, advocating
for the liberation of the working class and oppressed peoples.
Bakunin embraced a nomadic lifestyle, traveling extensively
across Europe to organize revolutionary movements and
engage with like-minded individuals.
CONTRIBUTION
• Bakunin's contributions to anarchist theory and practice are
significant. He articulated critiques of capitalism, the state,
and authoritarian socialism, advocating instead for
decentralized, self-managed forms of organization. Bakunin
emphasized the importance of revolutionary action and
solidarity among oppressed peoples, inspiring generations of
activists.
IDEOLOGY
• Bakunin's ideology blended elements of socialism,
anarchism, and anti-authoritarianism. He rejected both
capitalism and state socialism, viewing them as oppressive
systems that perpetuated inequality and exploitation.
Instead, Bakunin proposed a vision of society based on
voluntary association, mutual aid, and direct democracy,
where individuals are free to pursue their interests without
coercion or domination.