ANARCHIST COMMUNISM Meaning and
Definition
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Anarchist communism is a political ideology rooted in the anarchist philosophy and advocating for the establishment of a stateless, classless, and decentralized society. It seeks to eliminate both the oppressive structures of the state and the inequalities of capitalism.
Anarchist communism promotes a system in which wealth and resources are collectively owned and distributed according to the principle of "from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs." This stands in contrast to capitalist systems that emphasize private ownership and profit accumulation. In an anarchist communist society, decision-making is typically carried out through direct democratic processes, where individuals participate equally in the shaping of policies and the organization of society.
Central to anarchist communism is the belief that hierarchical systems, including the state, perpetuate inequality and restrict individual freedom. Therefore, anarchists advocate for the abolition of the state and the establishment of autonomous communities that operate in a voluntary, cooperative manner.
The roots of anarchist communism can be traced back to the writings of thinkers such as Peter Kropotkin and Mikhail Bakunin in the 19th century. These thinkers argued that anarchism and communism were compatible ideologies, with communism addressing economic equality and anarchism addressing political and social freedom. Anarchist communism has since influenced various revolutionary movements and continues to be a significant force within anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist movements across the world.
Etymology of ANARCHIST COMMUNISM
The word "anarchist communism" is a compound term that combines two distinct concepts, "anarchism" and "communism".
The term "anarchism" comes from the Greek word "anarkhia", which means "without rulers". It emerged in the 19th century as a political philosophy advocating for the abolition of all forms of government and hierarchical authority, envisioning a society based on voluntary association, mutual aid, and decentralization of power.
The word "communism" has its roots in the Latin term "communis", which means "common" or "shared". It refers to a social, economic, and political ideology aiming to establish a classless and stateless society, where all property and resources are collectively owned and everyone has equal access to wealth and opportunities.
