Eco anarchism

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Eco- anarchist symbol : black and green flag

Eco-anarchism ( eco , abbreviation for ecology; also called green anarchism ) is a theory of political and economic views that is discussed by individuals and groups within anarchism and that may have its origins in the following philosophical mindsets, social movements, and societal backgrounds finds: social ecology, situationism , communist anarchism , individual anarchism , ecofeminism , indigenous peoples , socialism .

description

Eco-anarchist criticism of the state and society starts with those institutions and mechanisms that can be held responsible for oppression in society. These could include , for example, the state , wage labor , capitalism , globalization , domestication , patriarchy , and science and technology dependent on state institutions . These political, economic and social elements could be seen as instruments for the exploitation of humans and the destruction of nature. Consequently, the alleged progress within the existing political authorities is questioned and criticized. Change can therefore be brought about through direct actions , sabotage , militancy, but also through nonviolent resistance , civil disobedience , creative actions, occupations , blockades , action camps and / or through living concrete alternatives such as municipalities , ecologically oriented village communities or other bioregional structures , also through reforms. Criticism is expressed of the subjection of animals and nature by humans, the hierarchical structures of the various power systems; for example the state and its institutions are called into question. Hence, re-establishing a connection between the natural environment and humans is a central aspect of eco-anarchism, which considers this connection to be one of the most fundamental aspects of human nature.

Difficulties such as climate change and environmental pollution are not interpreted as a problem per se, but as a symptom of power relations. The solutions to environmental problems named by technocrats are criticized as inadequate and in some cases solidifying the problems: the export of environmental technology from the industrialized nations solidifies the colonial development myth and belief in progress, the privatization of the air through emissions trading and the continuation of high consumption also through renewable energy sources deepen the concept of Ownership and demand the maintenance of monopolies and oligopolies of the capitalist economic system. The problem of rule and its significance for the living conditions are questioned by the eco-anarchists and alternatives are sought, for example with a collective exit and reference group formation of people from all social milieus in different places who cooperate with one another. The aim is to use ecology for the benefit of industrial societies and to create concrete and far-reaching alternatives in order to achieve a reduced consumption of resources ; work camps are held for discussion and information exchange.

civilization

The eco-anarchists do not see themselves as a “splinter group” or “sect” within the anarchist movement and do not see themselves as opponents or enemies of technical progress. Eco-anarchists strive for an ecology that belongs to the common good. “ Eco-anarchists like Janet Biehl or Murray Bookchin criticize the fact that people shape the environment according to profit interests and striving for power. To perceive oneself as part of a bigger whole has largely been lost due to the conditions of industrial society ”.

Some eco-anarchists are described as anarcho-primitivists or anti-civilizing anarchists. From this point of view, civilization is described as an overall complex (see above) that is seen to be responsible for the restriction of human freedom and the natural environment. In this regard, civilization becomes dominant over e.g. B. Attributed to plants, animals and humans. Agriculture and its large quantities of food produced, following this logic, laid the foundations for the institutions described above. Therefore an economic change in the sense of free societies of anarchism is preferred; a life in autonomous groups of ecologically positive people. For example the climate camp 2008 in Hamburg . " The biggest camps were the eco-anarchist ones, which to a certain extent maintained substructures on the camp ... ".

Proponents of social ecology and its main theorist Murray Bookchin , criticize the attitude of primitivism as "lifestyle anarchism".

technology

The topic of technology is just as controversial and no generally applicable definition has yet been found. Technology is seen as part of the capitalist monopoly economy. Technology does not need, as it happens today, the plundering of nature through the exploitation of first natural resources, and second through uncontrolled and wasteful consumption by humans. Since technology means how scientific knowledge can be applied and used in production, there is no neutral technology in this regard . This can be used both for the benefit of nature / the environment and against the environment.

The theory of social ecology relates positively to, for example, renewable energies and other ecological technologies, since they can be an element of environmentally friendly use, also in the sense of anarchism. Furthermore, the benefits of simple technologies constructed from waste materials from affluent society are often advocated. Similarly, domestication is accepted as long as it is based on a balanced relationship with the local environment and on a basis of regional renewable raw materials, and does not involve the exploitation of other living beings. Forms of nutrition such as vegetarianism and especially veganism are therefore included in the discussion about eco-anarchism.

See also

literature

  • Uwe Timm , “ Ecology and Freedom. Environmental problem and anarchism ”, series Lernziel Anarchy No. 7, Verlag der Mackay Gesellschaft, Freiburg / Br. 1980. ISBN 3-921388-33-3
  • Janet Biehl, " Ecofascism: Lessons from the German Experience "; 1996
  • "Social Ecofeminism and Other Essays" . Nevertheless publisher , Grafenau 1991
  • Murray Bookchin " The Politics of Social Ecology: Liberarian Municipalism "; 1997

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Eco-anarchists and conservative nature lovers ( memento from August 4, 2012 in the web archive archive.today ) at the Federal Association of Green Youth . “Eco-anarchists and conservative nature lovers” in Finland
  2. ↑ http://listi.jpberlin.de/pipermail/apocalypse/2008/000429.html (link not available)
  3. ↑ Eco-extremists smear the Grossmünster by Simon Eppenberger. In: Tagesanzeiger (Zurich), from December 16, 2008. Although the Tagesanzeiger reported from unknown persons, the term "eco-extremists" was used
  4. ↑ What is anarchism , part 3 from March 15, 2001
  5. ↑ See: KHZ Solneman (pseudonym for Kurt Zube ), " The Manifesto of Freedom and Peace ". Page 13, “ The rule of abstractions and fixed ideas ”; and pages 310-315 and 325-332. Publishing house of the Mackay Society, Freiburg / Br. 1977. ISBN 3-921388-12-0
  6. ↑ Quoting from Philipp Xanthos, " The Resistance Camp " in: "Revolutionär Sozialistischer Bund" from August 29, 2008. Accessed on January 29, 2009.
  7. ^ Critique of M. Bookchin in his article, " Social Anarchism or Lifestyle Anarchism " ( Memento of August 17, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) against primitive anarchism
  8. ↑ See: Harry M. Collins, Trevor J. Pinch, “ The Golem of Technology. How science constructs our reality ”. Berlin-Verlag, Berlin 2000. ISBN 3-8270-0335-0
  9. ↑ Cf. on this: Janet Biehl , “ Der libertäre Kommunalismus. The Political Practice of Social Economy ”. Nevertheless-Verlag, Grafenau 1998
  10. ↑ Pupils found an anarchist club " Anarchist Pupils / Student Union ". Retrieved January 29, 2009