Why Anarcho Capitalism can't possibly function
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 1:15 pm
More specifically, the title should read 'Why Anarcho-Capitalism can't function for very long'.
There are two types of An-Caps, there are those who want no state at all in favour of personal pusuit of profit, unfettered by law and regulation, then there are those who call themselves Minarchists - a 'slim state'. There's also the misreading of 'voluntary exchange', which is invariably interpreted in a similar way as 'mutual exchange' (if I give you X, I get Y, which is of equal value). This definition misses the profit motive of capitalism and exploitation, not to mention a sneaky way of hiding coersion.
Anti-State Anarcho-Capitalists
The problem with no state and capitalism, is the protection of private property - property rights and laws that the state executively enforces to back up claims of property. Without the state to guarantee property conventions, currency value and stocks would be too uncertain, confidence would be non-existent and it wouldn't take long before gangs and mobs begin to take over. We are talking about a fast-track route towards Monarchy, which would be the person, or corporation that accumulated the most property and then makes everyone else their subjects. Or, you will have many competing gangs and mobs of private armies and security firms, as this will be the only way to ensure value of property. We would also expect to see a rise of landlords who would rent property to those who are outside of these factions, basically, we are talking about a slave system, debt-slavery, Tsarism and worse.
Minarchists
This term does not have to exist. We already have a term for this economic practice, it's called Classical and Neo-Liberalism. When An-Caps figure out that currency is worthless without the state, they switch to this concept in no time at all. It's like fighting for fresh air to be breathed each day, or staring an activist group for people to walk with their feet - it's already bloody happening!
Those who advocate Anarcho-Capitalism, fail to understand exactly what capitalism is and the importance of the state to ensure property and law that protects property is fundamental to capitalism.
There are two types of An-Caps, there are those who want no state at all in favour of personal pusuit of profit, unfettered by law and regulation, then there are those who call themselves Minarchists - a 'slim state'. There's also the misreading of 'voluntary exchange', which is invariably interpreted in a similar way as 'mutual exchange' (if I give you X, I get Y, which is of equal value). This definition misses the profit motive of capitalism and exploitation, not to mention a sneaky way of hiding coersion.
Anti-State Anarcho-Capitalists
The problem with no state and capitalism, is the protection of private property - property rights and laws that the state executively enforces to back up claims of property. Without the state to guarantee property conventions, currency value and stocks would be too uncertain, confidence would be non-existent and it wouldn't take long before gangs and mobs begin to take over. We are talking about a fast-track route towards Monarchy, which would be the person, or corporation that accumulated the most property and then makes everyone else their subjects. Or, you will have many competing gangs and mobs of private armies and security firms, as this will be the only way to ensure value of property. We would also expect to see a rise of landlords who would rent property to those who are outside of these factions, basically, we are talking about a slave system, debt-slavery, Tsarism and worse.
Minarchists
This term does not have to exist. We already have a term for this economic practice, it's called Classical and Neo-Liberalism. When An-Caps figure out that currency is worthless without the state, they switch to this concept in no time at all. It's like fighting for fresh air to be breathed each day, or staring an activist group for people to walk with their feet - it's already bloody happening!
Those who advocate Anarcho-Capitalism, fail to understand exactly what capitalism is and the importance of the state to ensure property and law that protects property is fundamental to capitalism.