Bakunin's Statism and Anarchy

Mikhail Bakunin's "Statism and Anarchy" argues against the authority of the state and advocates for anarchism, emphasizing that the state fundamentally oppresses individual freedom. He believes that centralized power leads to tyranny and that true liberation comes from dismantling government structures. Bakunin promotes voluntary cooperation and collective self-management as alternatives, where people govern themselves without coercive institutions. He critiques both state socialism and capitalism, asserting that neither can achieve genuine equality or freedom. Ultimately, Bakunin envisions a society organized around free associations rather than imposed authority, fostering human creativity and collaboration.