I’ve been thinking a lot about the relationship between anarchists and the state. Obviously I understand the reason behind anti-statism but I think mindless opposition to any idea is unproductive. So I want to discuss the concept of an anarchist-friendly state.
The starting point is the thought: “what if some people cannot be anarchists?”. The effort needed to maintain anarchic structures is considerable and it’s possible that a lot of people aren’t willing to put in the effort. Voluntary association is fundamental to anarchist theory and that includes the creation of voluntary states. As long as these states are willing to work alongside anarchists there should be no reason for conflict, and states have a good reason to cooperate as anarchists could take over some of the problematic functions of the classical state like policing, after all any successful anarchist society needs to self-police anyway.
I’m not familiar with all of the theory surrounding minarchism but I think the term is applicable to these voluntary anarchist-friendly states.
Which brings me to a question: Could minarchist parties exist? And could they represent a form of electorialism that anarchists could participate in? They could be structured around instant recalls ensuring some level of protection against opportunists. Although such parties would require a change to election laws.
I think a problem with minarchism is that implicit question of what archism is being minimized. Typically under capitalist hegemony “minarchists” are simply arguing for the removal of social programs while preserving the violent enforcement of capitalism (eg. libertarians). If on the other hand we’re talking about “minarchism” from an anarchist perspective where we’re trying to minimize or eliminate the controlling aspects of the state/capitalism, then I would be more sympathetic to that cause. However I don’t think it’s very useful term especially considering how it’s been almost complete coopted by libertarians and pals.
Are we really going to let them decide our terms? If you’re letting others decide terms then anarchy means “The Purge”. Socialism means state control. and communism means gulags and secret police or social scores.
When I say minarchism then I mean “minimal archy” with “archy” being the same as anarchy. Capitalism is archy. Anyone I’d be comfortable calling a minarchist should oppose it, or at least try and minimise it. Anyone wanting to give power to any oppressing group is not a minarchist.