Anarchism vs. Syndicalism

Attribute	Anarchism	Syndicalism
Definition	A political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of hierarchical systems of power	A revolutionary strategy and theory of worker organization
Key Figures	Emma Goldman, Mikhail Bakunin, Peter Kropotkin	Rudolf Rocker, Georges Sorel, Fernand Pelloutier
Focus	On individual autonomy and direct democracy	On workers' control of the means of production
Organization	Decentralized and non-hierarchical	Based on industrial unions and worker solidarity
Means of Achieving Goals	Direct action, mutual aid, and community organizing	General strikes, workplace occupations, and industrial action

Definition

Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority, including the state, capitalism, and organized religion. Anarchists believe in a society based on voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and self-governance. Syndicalism, on the other hand, is a form of economic organization where industries are owned and managed by the workers themselves, typically through labor unions or syndicates. Syndicalists aim to create a society where workers control the means of production and distribution.

Goals

Both anarchism and syndicalism share the goal of creating a more just and equitable society, but they approach this goal in different ways. Anarchists seek to dismantle all forms of hierarchy and domination, believing that this is the only way to achieve true freedom and equality. Syndicalists, on the other hand, focus specifically on the economic sphere, aiming to empower workers and create a more democratic workplace. While both movements aim to challenge the status quo, their methods and priorities differ.

Organization

Anarchism is a broad and diverse movement that encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. Some anarchists advocate for non-violent resistance and direct action, while others support more militant tactics. Anarchist organizations are typically decentralized and non-hierarchical, with decision-making power distributed among all members. Syndicalism, on the other hand, is more focused on the labor movement and organizing workers within specific industries. Syndicalist organizations often operate within existing labor unions or form their own syndicates to coordinate collective action.

Strategy

Anarchists and syndicalists both believe in the power of collective action and solidarity, but they differ in their strategic approaches. Anarchists often emphasize the importance of prefigurative politics, creating alternative forms of organization and social relations within existing society. They believe that building a new world in the shell of the old is the most effective way to bring about revolutionary change. Syndicalists, on the other hand, focus on organizing workers within the existing economic system to challenge the power of capitalists and create a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources.

Relationship to the State

One of the key differences between anarchism and syndicalism is their relationship to the state. Anarchists reject the state as a tool of oppression and domination, advocating for its abolition in favor of decentralized forms of self-governance. Syndicalists, on the other hand, often work within the existing political system to achieve their goals, using tactics such as strikes, boycotts, and negotiations to improve working conditions and redistribute wealth. While both movements seek to challenge the power of the ruling class, they differ in their approach to the state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anarchism and syndicalism are both radical political philosophies that seek to create a more just and equitable society. While they share some common goals, such as challenging hierarchy and domination, they differ in their methods, priorities, and relationship to the state. Anarchists advocate for the abolition of all forms of hierarchy and the creation of a stateless society based on voluntary cooperation, while syndicalists focus on empowering workers within the existing economic system. Both movements have played important roles in the history of social movements and continue to inspire activists around the world.