On Anarchy

In honor of Strike Anywhere, I've decided to refute any and all arguments about the potentially positive nature of anarchy.

Myth #1: Anarchy Could Even Exist

This is obviously the most basic point possible, the question of whether a total lack of government would even be achieveable in reality. I would argue that it would not. Basically, the idea is that, even if you could successfully bring down all mechanisms of government across the world simultaneously (neccessary to avoid existing governments from moving into the power vacuums created elsewhere), true anarchy would not last more than a few months. Humans are, by nature, social creatures, and would therefore gather into groups. And groups, by nature, require a leader. Combine that with natural ambitions that many harbor, and it would be short time before there would be tens of thousands of warlords ruling over the human race once more. Over time, through brutal (probably also internecine) conflict, the number of warlords would be reduced as the strongest consolidated their power. Within a century, we would be looking at a system of administration similar to 11th-century Europe. This is totally unavoidable. The timetable may be longer than that presented here, but sooner or later, societies would coalesce with a system of government to lead them. Because Hobbes was right.

Myth #2: Anarchy Would Promote Egalitarianism

No. Just look at my explanation above to see why this wouldn't work. Pure socialism would be much more efficient at achieving this, but pure socialism is impossible to attain, mainly because it involves anarchic principles.

Myth #3: Society Would Still Function In Anarchy

I'm not sure anyone actually believes this, but just in case.

While this would be great, too much of the modern world relies heavily on law and order and effective government adminstration to function. Looting would be rampant, since no protection would exist for the weak (just look at Baghdad in April 2003 to see what even small-scale anarchy can accomplish in the way of looting). Furthermore, utility function would collapse, especially that of power plants and the electricity which runs everything. And of course, anarchy pushes my great fear of nuclear apocaylpse through inefficient protection of silos and reactors. I could go on, but the point is made.

Any other arguments? Email me (aero777x1@yahoo.com) and I'd love to address them. Actually, even better, I'll allow posts for this one time for questions.