Anarchism vs. Anarcho-Communism

Attribute	Anarchism	Anarcho-Communism
Definition	A political philosophy that advocates for stateless societies based on voluntary cooperation.	Anarchism that advocates for a stateless, classless society where the means of production are owned collectively.
Economic System	Varies, but often includes mutualism, collectivism, or individualism.	Collective ownership of the means of production and distribution.
Government	Opposes all forms of hierarchical authority, including government.	Advocates for a decentralized, non-hierarchical form of government.
Property	Opposes private property and advocates for communal ownership or possession.	Advocates for the abolition of private property and the establishment of communal ownership.
Class Structure	Opposes class distinctions and advocates for equality among individuals.	Seeks to eliminate class distinctions and create a classless society.

Definition

Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority, including the state, capitalism, and other oppressive systems. Anarchists believe in voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and direct democracy as the basis for organizing society. Anarcho-Communism, on the other hand, is a specific branch of anarchism that emphasizes the establishment of a stateless, classless, and moneyless society based on common ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

Property and Ownership

One key difference between anarchism and anarcho-communism lies in their views on property and ownership. Anarchists generally reject private property, which they see as a source of inequality and exploitation. Instead, they advocate for collective ownership of resources and the means of production. Anarcho-communists take this a step further by promoting the idea of common ownership, where all resources and goods are held in common and distributed according to need.

Economic Organization

Another important distinction between anarchism and anarcho-communism is their approach to economic organization. Anarchists believe in a variety of economic models, including mutualism, syndicalism, and collectivism, where workers control the means of production through decentralized, self-managed enterprises. Anarcho-communists, on the other hand, envision a society where goods and services are produced and distributed according to the principle of "from each according to ability, to each according to need."

Government and Authority

Both anarchism and anarcho-communism share a fundamental opposition to centralized government and hierarchical authority. Anarchists reject the idea of a state as a coercive institution that enforces laws and regulations through violence. Instead, they advocate for decentralized forms of governance, such as direct democracy, consensus decision-making, and voluntary associations. Anarcho-communists extend this critique to all forms of authority, including economic, social, and cultural hierarchies.

Social Organization

While both anarchism and anarcho-communism prioritize individual freedom and autonomy, they differ in their views on social organization. Anarchists emphasize the importance of individual rights and liberties, as well as the need to protect minority groups from oppression and discrimination. Anarcho-communists, on the other hand, stress the importance of collective solidarity and cooperation in building a more egalitarian and inclusive society.

Revolutionary Strategy

Anarchists and anarcho-communists also differ in their approaches to revolutionary change. Anarchists generally advocate for a diversity of tactics, including direct action, civil disobedience, and grassroots organizing, to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems. Anarcho-communists, on the other hand, often emphasize the need for a social revolution that transforms the economic and political structures of society in order to create a more just and equitable world.

Conclusion

While anarchism and anarcho-communism share many similarities in their critiques of authority, hierarchy, and oppression, they also have distinct differences in their views on property, economic organization, social organization, and revolutionary strategy. Anarchism offers a broad framework for challenging all forms of domination and exploitation, while anarcho-communism provides a specific vision for creating a stateless, classless, and moneyless society based on common ownership and democratic control. Ultimately, both philosophies offer valuable insights and strategies for building a more just and equitable world.