Left Anarchism is a term used almost exclusively by opponents of traditional anarchism to denominate philosophies that oppose private ownership of the means of production (or capitalism). This term thus encompasses anarcho-communism, libertarian socialism, and anarcho-syndicalism. Anarcho-capitalism is regarded as right anarchism in this scheme. Anarcho-Communism, or Libertarian Communism, is a political ideology related to Libertarian socialism. ... Libertarian socialism is any one of a group of political philosophies dedicated to opposing coercive forms of authority and social hierarchy, in particular the institutions of capitalism and the state. ... Anarcho- syndicalist flag. ... Anarcho-capitalism refers to an anti-statist philosophy that embraces capitalism as one of its foundational principles. ...
Left anarchists consider capitalism, most notably wage labour and private ownership of the means of production, as being a coercive or exploitative. They believe that private investment of capital is inherently hierarchal, and can only be upheld by the existence of governmental authority that protects the interests of the capitalist class (those who own and control capital). Some groups who fall under the rubric of left anarchism are characterized as favoring a society that distributes resources solely through cooperation and sharing, rather that one that bases this in competition and trade. Left anarchists aim for an egalitarian society. They oppose social hierarchy and vastly unequal distribitutions of wealth. A wage is the amount of money paid for some specified quantity of labour. ... // General Means of production generally refers to productive assets which are inputs in a production process. ... This article needs a complete rewrite for the reasons listed on the talk page. ...
The factual accuracy and usefulness of such an approach is challenged by many anarchists, who consider anarchist ideas to be exclusively opposed to capitalist relations, and point out that all historical anarchist upheavals and movements have been distinctly anti-capitalist. They argue that the recent groups referring to themselves as "right anarchists" are so small and unaccepted among anarchists, that making such a distinction can serve only to amplify a false sense of importance and activity that is almost non-existent outside of academic circles. Post-left anarchists, who also oppose capitalism, use the term "left anarchism" to label mainstream anarchism. The very act of defining a "left" and "right" within the movement is thus considered by many mainstream anarchists as politically motivated. For that matter, many anarcho-capitalists and other libertarians reject the label of "right" for themselves, feeling that their viewpoint transcends the traditional left-right political spectrum. Post-left anarchy is a recent current in anarchist thought that seeks to distance itself from the traditional left and to escape the confines of ideology in general. ...
Anarchism is a political view derived from the Greek αναÏχία (without archons (rulers)). Thus anarchism, in its most general meaning, is opposing to rulers. ... Post-left anarchy is a recent current in anarchist thought that seeks to distance itself from the traditional left and to escape the confines of ideology in general. ... The color red and particularly the red flag are traditional symbols of Socialism. ...
External links
Defining anarchism from the anarchist faq, written by traditional anarchists
Anarchist Theory FAQ, an anarcho-capitalist argues that a broad division in anarchism exists between "left-anarchism" and anarcho-capitalism
Canning Reactionary Leftism a criticism of left-anarchism by Keith Preston
The Incredible Lameness of Left Anarchism by Jason McQuinn A critique from a post-left anarchist persepective.
Learning the Hard Way: My Life as an Anarcho-Leftoid by Keith Preston
Anarcho-capitalism is a view that regards all forms of the state as unnecessary and harmful, particularly in matters of justice and self-defense, while being highly supportive of private property. ... Wendy McElroy is a Canadian disciple of Murray Rothbard. ... Anarcho-capitalism refers to an anti-statist philosophy that embraces capitalism as one of its foundational principles. ... Post-left anarchy is a recent current in anarchist thought that seeks to distance itself from the traditional left and to escape the confines of ideology in general. ...
Anarchism's absolute hostility to the state, and its tendency to adopt a stance of moral purity, limit its usefulness as a basis for a broad movement for egalitarian social change, let alone for a transition to socialism.
The vulnerability of anarchism to attack, and the greater ability of the Communist Party to resist attacks, were illustrated by the case of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, anarchists unjustly accused of a payroll robbery and murder in 1921.
The influence of anarchism was strongest among radical feminists, in the commune movement, and probably in the Weather Underground and elsewhere in the violent fringe of the anti-war movement.
Anarchism is a term which encompasses a variety of political philosophies, social movements, and political ideologies that advocate the abolition of all forms of coercion (including any social hierarchy of a dominating nature).
Proponents of anarchism argue that relations based upon voluntary cooperation and mutual aid will lead to a society characterized by the ability of each actor to have a say in outcomes proportionate to the degree they are affected by them, a society consisting of free individuals.
Insurrectionary anarchism is not an ideological solution to all social problems, a commodity on the capitalist market of ideologies and opinions, but an on-going praxis aimed at putting an end to the domination of the state and the continuance of capitalism, which requires analysis and discussion to advance.
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