Talk:libertarian municipalism

Anarcho-municipialism is not so much a political thought school, and it does not, in itself, claim any detailed projections of an ideal society. It is more accurately described as a system where different political idealogies can interact, improve, and potentially compete (although hopefully without violence or war). It arose from the many political philosophies that have appeared, few of which have actually been implemented in the real world. This is because of the nation-state system, and the ruling class (whoever they may be), is not usually interested in a complete overhaul of an entire country. Examples such as Communism, show what can happen when an untested system is implemented on a wide scale. Anarcho-municipialism allows different political ideas to be used in the real world, with minimal effects on the people if they prove unviable.

The basic concept is of a world, organised into seperate communities, usually the size of one settlement (although this 'settlement' could range in size from a farm to a metropolis), each of which operates as a seperate political entity.

Each settlement would be based on an individual philosophy, although it is likely that many settlements will operate on similar lines. One settlement may be a large representative democracy, while others may be agricultural communes, or operate on an anarchist principle. Any system of government could appear, even possibly despotism or absoloute monarchy. Abuse of the people could not be undertaken for a long period of time, as will be discussed later.

The basic principle of anarcho-municipialism is of freedom of movement, whereby individuals can move to the most succesful settlement. 'Success' would hear be based on, not GDP or military might, but on which settlements met the individual's needs and wants. Through this, settlements based on a sound system would create a happy populace, which would attract more people, and the best settlements (defined by the point of view of the people) would be the largest. It is not inevitable, however, that one political philosophy would take over the world - there will always be people who wish to lead a different life.

If a settlement has a corrupt government, then people will leave said settlement, and it will cease to exist (or change its wicked ways). If a settlement attempts to stop its people leaving, then neighbouring communities would be expected to intervene.

Propenets of the idea point to the success of small individual communities such as communes, which are generally marked by low crime rates, a strong community spirit, and other benefits, and also religous communities like monastries. Critics point to examples such as the Greek city-states. Although the greeks were an eligntened culture, warfare was frequent among the cities.