prompter: Explain me the anarchy theories of the past century and then of this century

assistant: As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs or opinions, but I can provide you with a brief overview of the main anarchist theories of the past century and this century:

Past Century:

1. Classical Anarchism: This theory emerged in the 19th century and advocated for the abolition of all forms of government and the establishment of a society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid.

2. Syndicalism: This theory emerged in the early 20th century and emphasized the role of labor unions in overthrowing capitalism and establishing a society based on worker control.

3. Anarcho-Communism: This theory emerged in the late 19th century and advocated for the establishment of a classless, stateless society based on common ownership of the means of production.

This Century:

1. Post-Structuralist Anarchism: This theory emphasizes the importance of language, power, and discourse in shaping social relations and advocates for the creation of new forms of resistance that challenge dominant discourses.

2. Green Anarchism: This theory emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and advocates for a society based on decentralized, ecological communities.

3. Queer Anarchism: This theory emphasizes the importance of challenging gender norms and heteronormativity in creating a more just society and advocates for the creation of queer spaces that are free from oppression.

assistant: Anarchist theories have been around for more than a century and have evolved over time. The fundamental premise of anarchism is the rejection of government authority and the promotion of individual freedom and autonomy. Anarchism is a diverse and multifaceted ideology, with different schools of thought and approaches to achieving a society without rulers.

In the past century, two main schools of anarchist thought emerged: classical anarchism and anarcho-syndicalism. Classical anarchism emerged in the 19th century and focused on individual freedom and the rejection of all forms of authority, including government, religion, and capitalism. Anarchists believed that the state was the primary source of oppression and that its abolition was necessary for the liberation of the individual. Anarcho-syndicalism emerged in the early 20th century and focused on the role of labor unions in the revolutionary struggle. Anarcho-syndicalists believed that workers should organize themselves into unions and use direct action, such as strikes and sabotage, to overthrow capitalism and the state.

In this century, anarchism has continued to evolve and adapt to changing social and political circumstances. One of the most notable developments has been the rise of anarcha-feminism, which seeks to incorporate feminist analysis and practice into anarchist theory and activism. Anarcha-feminists recognize the interconnections between various forms of oppression, such as patriarchy, capitalism, and racism, and seek to create a society that is free from all forms of domination. Another notable development has been the growth of eco-anarchism, which focuses on the intersection of environmentalism and anarchism. Eco-anarchists recognize the ecological crisis as a result of capitalist and state-driven exploitation of nature and seek to create a sustainable and just society through decentralized, horizontal organizing and direct action.

assistant: Anarchy is a political ideology that advocates for the absence of government and the abolition of hierarchies and institutions that exert authority over individuals. Throughout the past century, various anarchist movements have emerged with different interpretations and approaches to achieving a stateless society.

One of the most influential anarchist thinkers of the 20th century was Emma Goldman, who argued that anarchism is about the liberation of the individual from all forms of oppression, including the state, capitalism, and patriarchy. Goldman saw anarchism as a way of life that emphasizes mutual aid, cooperation, and voluntary association rather than coercion and domination.

Another important figure in 20th-century anarchism was Murray Bookchin, who developed the theory of social ecology. Bookchin argued that the root cause of social and ecological problems is the hierarchical and centralized organization of society, and he advocated for the creation of decentralized, democratic communities based on mutual aid and ecological sustainability.

In recent years, anarchism has gained renewed interest and momentum with the rise of anarchist movements such as Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter, and the Zapatista movement in Mexico. Contemporary anarchist thought emphasizes the need for direct action and prefigurative politics, which involves creating the kind of society we want to see in the present rather than waiting for a revolutionary moment in the future.

Contemporary anarchist thinkers, such as David Graeber, argue that anarchism is not just a political ideology but also a way of life that involves creating alternative forms of organization and community outside of the state and capitalist systems. Graeber calls this approach "anarchistic anthropology," which seeks to uncover the anarchist principles that underlie human societies throughout history and across cultures.

In summary, anarchist theories of the past and present century share a common rejection of hierarchies and institutions of authority, and a desire for a more egalitarian and just society. However, contemporary anarchist thought emphasizes the importance of creating alternative forms of organization and community in the present, rather than waiting for a revolutionary moment in the future.