Agorism vs. Anarchism

Attribute	Agorism	Anarchism
Definition	A political philosophy that advocates the creation of a society in which all relations between people are voluntary exchanges by means of counter-economics.	A political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of hierarchical systems such as the state, capitalism, and other forms of authority.
Founder	Samuel Edward Konkin III	Various theorists and activists throughout history, including Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, Mikhail Bakunin, and Emma Goldman.
Focus	Economic and political strategy centered around counter-economics and building alternative institutions.	Opposition to all forms of authority and hierarchy, including the state, capitalism, and organized religion.
Strategy	Engaging in agorist activities to undermine the state and build a counter-economy.	Direct action, mutual aid, and community organizing to dismantle hierarchical systems and create a stateless society.

Introduction

Agorism and anarchism are two political ideologies that share some similarities but also have distinct differences. Both ideologies advocate for a stateless society, but they have different approaches to achieving this goal. In this article, we will explore the attributes of agorism and anarchism and compare their key principles and strategies.

Definition of Agorism

Agorism is a political philosophy that advocates for the creation of a stateless society through counter-economics and peaceful revolution. The term "agorism" was coined by Samuel Edward Konkin III in the 1970s and is derived from the Greek word "agora," which means marketplace. Agorists believe that the state is inherently oppressive and that individuals should engage in voluntary exchanges outside of the state-controlled economy to undermine its power.

Definition of Anarchism

Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority, including the state, capitalism, and other oppressive institutions. Anarchists believe in voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and direct action as means of organizing society. Anarchism has a long history and has been associated with various movements, including syndicalism, mutualism, and communism.

Key Principles of Agorism

One of the key principles of agorism is the idea of counter-economics, which involves engaging in economic activities that are outside of the purview of the state. Agorists believe that by participating in black and gray markets, individuals can weaken the state's control over the economy and ultimately bring about its downfall. Another key principle of agorism is the concept of peaceful revolution, which involves non-violent resistance to state authority and the gradual erosion of the state's power through agorist practices.

Key Principles of Anarchism

One of the key principles of anarchism is the rejection of all forms of hierarchical authority, including the state, capitalism, and patriarchy. Anarchists believe in the principles of voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and direct action as means of organizing society. Another key principle of anarchism is the idea of prefigurative politics, which involves creating alternative forms of social organization that reflect anarchist values and principles.

Strategies of Agorism

One of the main strategies of agorism is the practice of counter-economics, which involves engaging in economic activities that are outside of the state-controlled economy. Agorists believe that by participating in black and gray markets, individuals can undermine the state's power and create a more free and decentralized society. Another strategy of agorism is the concept of agorist entrepreneurship, which involves creating businesses and organizations that operate outside of the state's regulatory framework.

Strategies of Anarchism

One of the main strategies of anarchism is the practice of direct action, which involves taking immediate and collective action to challenge oppressive institutions and create social change. Anarchists believe in the power of grassroots organizing, mutual aid, and solidarity to build a more just and equitable society. Another strategy of anarchism is the concept of dual power, which involves creating alternative institutions and systems of governance that can eventually replace the state and capitalism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, agorism and anarchism are two political ideologies that share a common goal of creating a stateless society but have different approaches to achieving this goal. Agorism focuses on counter-economics and peaceful revolution as means of undermining the state's power, while anarchism emphasizes voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and direct action as strategies for social change. Both ideologies offer unique insights into the nature of power and authority and provide valuable perspectives on how individuals can work towards a more free and equitable society.