Kevin Carson

Anarchy & Democracy Kevin Carson

Combining the Greek words demos ("common people") and kratos ("strength"), democracy means "rule of the commoners." The philosophical and political debates surrounding democracy extend back 2500 years to Ancient Athens. For much of recent history, many people consider democracy to be a cherished value to protect and spread across the globe, while many others see it as a privilege they hope to someday enjoy. Even others, from all over the political spectrum, see democracy as an enemy to be squashed. Anarchists need to clarify the relationship between democracy and the state. What does "rule of the commoners" really mean and should anarchists support it? How do causes like feminism, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism, and anti-capitalism relate to democracy? How does democracy relate to market exchange and social organization? Ten anarchist authors have chosen to participate in an in-depth examination of the idea of "democracy" and how it relates to anarchy.