Anarcho-pacifism

Anarcho-pacifism (also referred to as anarchist pacifism and pacifist anarchism) is a school of thought within anarchism that advocates for the use of peaceful, non-violent forms of resistance in the struggle for social change. Anarcho-pacifism rejects the use of physical violence, and instead promotes methods such as civil disobedience, nonviolent direct action, and passive resistance.

History

The origins of anarcho-pacifism can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable figures such as Leo Tolstoy and Mohandas Gandhi espousing similar ideas. Tolstoy, a Russian author and moral philosopher, combined his Christian beliefs with a critique of the state and institutional violence in his work The Kingdom of God Is Within You. Gandhi, an Indian political and spiritual leader, developed the concept of Satyagraha, a form of nonviolent resistance, which influenced many anarcho-pacifists.

Principles

Anarcho-pacifism is rooted in a belief in the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings, and a respect for life in all its forms. It rejects the state, capitalism, and other forms of hierarchical authority, viewing them as inherently violent and oppressive. Anarcho-pacifists advocate for a society based on voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and direct democracy.

Criticism

Critics of anarcho-pacifism argue that its commitment to nonviolence is unrealistic and ineffective in the face of systemic violence and oppression. Some anarchists argue that the use of force may be necessary in certain situations to protect oneself or others, or to bring about social change.

Notable Anarcho-pacifists

Notable anarcho-pacifists include Bart de Ligt, Ammon Hennacy, and Vernon Richards. De Ligt was a Dutch anti-militarist and pacifist who wrote The Conquest of Violence, an influential work in the anarcho-pacifist tradition. Hennacy was an American social activist and member of the Catholic Worker Movement who practiced civil disobedience and tax resistance. Richards was a British anarchist and editor of the journal Freedom.

See also

• Nonviolence
• Pacifism
• Anarchism

References

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