I’ve long considered myself an anarchist and while I’m not very well read, I’m also not a baby anarchist. I haven’t read too many books on theory, instead I mostly learn from podcasts and discussions with peers. For whatever reason, I struggle to find the mental energy to get through books. I’m vaguely familiar with communalism but I’m still struggling with conflicting information.
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Is communalism compatible with anarchism? I’ve come across people who identify as both as well as communalists who view their philosophy and goals as distinct from anarchism.
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Is communalism statist or anti-statist? I’ve heard it described as anti-statist, yet depictions of it (when distinguished from anarchism) sound to me like they aim to establish a highly decentralized and directly democratic confederation of states.
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How do anarchists and communalists in this community feel about the others’ praxis? I’m intrigued by both, including especifismo and libertarian municipalism.
I think realistically the two are about different time horizons. Anarchism is when the protocols are in our heads. It’s how we live. Communalism, to some extent, is about existing in a world where the implied violence of the system will shut down any “pure” anarchism. Create structure so the hierarchies know how to deal with it.
Sometimes it’s not even about hostility. People just can’t imagine a world without what exists today. Just having anarchism in your head is revolutionary.