Anarchism (from
Greek ἀν (without) + ἄρχειν (to rule) + ισμός (from stem -ιζειν), "without
archons," "without rulers") is often defined as a
political philosophy which holds the
state to be undesirable, unnecessary, or harmful. Historically, anarchists have argued that while anti-statism is central, it is inadequate to define anarchism. This traditional notion of anarchism entails opposition to all
authority or
hierarchical organization in the conduct of human relations, including, but not limited to, the state system. In particular, it includes opposition
church and
capital, resulting in the famous anarchist proclamations "Property is theft!" and "No gods, no masters!" Proponents of anarchism, known as "anarchists", advocate
stateless societies based on non-
hierarchical free associations.
Anarchism as a mass social movement has regularly endured fluctuations in popularity. The central tendency of anarchism as a social movement has been represented by anarcho-communism and anarcho-syndicalism, with individualist anarchism being primarily a literary phenomenon (which nevertheless did have an impact on the bigger currents, including the participation of individualists in large anarchist organizations). Many anarchists oppose all forms of aggression, supporting self-defense or non-violence (anarcho-pacifism), while others have supported the use of some coercive measures, including violent revolution and propaganda of the deed, on the path to an anarchist society.
