The True Extent of Anarchism in the United States

When one considers the prevalence of anarchism in the United States, it is often associated with a specific group or set of individuals. However, the actual number and demographic of anarchists far exceeds what is commonly recognized. This article delves into the hidden layers of this political ideology and its diverse manifestations within American society.

Underestimated Numbers and Mislabelings

Many would assume that the number of anarchists in the United States is quite limited. In reality, my own count includes myself and a few more; however, it is a challenging statistic to accurately pinpoint. There are far more anarchists than they themselves realize. I encounter anarchists frequently, and they often self-identify as librarians, libertarians, independents, or even as liberals or conservatives. Some claim to have a politically agnostic stance.

A significant number of individuals claim to be anarchists but align with other ideologies such as communism or socialism. Personally, I find it difficult to reconcile these self-identifications with the core principles of anarchism, which emphasize the absence of hierarchical power structures and authority (often encapsulated in the phrase “no gods, no masters”). Anarchy does not necessarily mean chaos; rather, it focuses on the concepts of voluntarism and individual freedom.

Libertarianism and Anarchism

A crucial point to note is that almost everyone who identifies as a libertarian can also be considered an anarchist. This is due to the fundamental Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) that underpins libertarian beliefs, which restricts the use of aggression by the government except for the protection of life or property. Practicing the NAP would indeed diminish the power of the government to tax, police, or enforce laws beyond those related to protection from harm.

Approximately one in five Americans can be classified as libertarians, further emphasizing the widespread acceptance and integration of anarchist principles within a broader political framework.

Organizational Structures and Varieties of Anarchism

While there are visible groups that self-identify as anarchists, the reality is more nuanced. For example, there are significant numbers of people who call themselves anarchists, including those within organizations like Crimethinc, which vehemently oppose any form of hierarchical organization. Many act within single-issue activism groups or are part of local community collectives, contributing to a decentralized and diverse anarchist movement.

There are also some national organizations with fewer than 300 members combined, alongside various local collectives. Members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) often exhibit anarchist-inclined politics and have a significant member base of around a couple thousand people.

A misunderstanding about the right-wing appropriation of the “libertarian” label is prevalent. Many claim that libertarians were able to take over the label in the early 1960s because anarcho-syndicalism and libertarianism had virtually disappeared in the U.S., reaching their lowest point. These right-wing libertarians bear little resemblance to true anarchists and do not attract individuals who would otherwise gravitate towards left-wing anarchism.

Conclusion

The landscape of anarchism in the United States is more complex and bipartisan than often perceived. Anarchist principles are widespread, embedded in various political and social movements, and often practiced by individuals who may not explicitly identify as anarchists. Understanding the true scope and variety of anarchism in modern America requires a deeper exploration of underlying beliefs and practical applications.