In a narrow sense, anarchism is the theory that all forms of government rest on violence, and are therefore wrong and harmful, as well as unnecessary (Emma Goldman). In a broad sense, anarchism might be thought of as the historical tendency to seek out, challenge, and then dismantle hierarchies and power structures, which anarchists regard as coercive and oppressive. Broader still, anarchism might be thought of as the complete rejection of systems of domination. This is the critical aspect of anarchist theory.

In place of a society ruled by coercion and force, competition and predation, anarchists envision a world based on principles such as solidarity, mutual aid, and cooperation. On this view, voluntary associations among groups and individuals will replace the state-corporate nexus in all its functions -- or at least the functions that are worth keeping. That is to say, anarchism is a sort of bottom-up, or libertarian (meaning anti-authoritarian), socialism. This is the constructive aspect of anarchist theory.

Anarcho-syndicalism is a branch of anarchism focusing on organized labor, although I often associate the term with the much broader idea of using the economy as the vehicle for libertarian social transformation. Syndicalism is sometimes viewed as a revolutionary alternative to trade unionism. Rather than adopting reformist measures to win limited gains (such as collective bargaining to win higher wages), syndicalists advocate militant direct action in the form of general strikes, sabotage, occupations, expropriations, etc. in oder to liberate the working class from capitalist and State oppression. Anarcho-syndicalists believe that liberated worker organizations or groupings will form the basis for a free, classless, egalitarian, solidaric society. In other words, it is thought that syndicalism will pave the way towards libertarian socialism.

For more information, visit http://www.anarchosyndicalism.net/.

Participatory economics, or parecon for short, is a classless economic system that serves as an alternative to capitalism, market socialism, and centrally planned economies. Parecon is based upon equity, solidarity, diversity, and participatory self-management, as well as takes into account kinship/gender, community/race, and polity in addition to economic considerations. Under parecon, workers and consumers councils are responsible for self-managed decision making; workers have balanced job complexes; effort and sacrifice are rewarded, not hours worked or how much capital was invested; and planning is participatory.

For more information, visit http://www.parecon.org/.