Venarchism

Venarchism is the ideology of Alexi R. Wheeler, and was founded in the UK in 2023.

Main Ideas
Self-Governance: Venarchism emphasizes the autonomy and self-determination of individuals and communities. It advocates for the dismantling of centralized power structures and promotes direct participation in decision-making processes at the local level. The goal is to create a society where everyone has a voice and a stake in shaping their own lives.

Voluntary Cooperation: Venarchism encourages voluntary cooperation and mutual aid among individuals and communities. It recognizes that collective efforts can achieve common goals more effectively than isolated actions. However, participation in cooperative endeavors should be based on voluntary association rather than enforced or coerced participation.

Non-Hierarchical Structures: Venarchism rejects hierarchical systems of authority and advocates for horizontal or decentralized structures. It opposes oppressive institutions and power dynamics that concentrate authority in the hands of a few. Instead, it seeks to distribute power and decision-making processes among individuals and communities equally.

Communal Ownership: Venarchism supports the idea of communal ownership of resources and productive assets. It rejects the notion of private property as a means of exploiting and excluding others. Instead, it promotes the concept of common ownership and stewardship, ensuring that resources are managed collectively for the benefit of all members of the community.

Consensus Decision-Making: Venarchism emphasizes consensus-based decision-making processes, where individuals work together to find mutually agreeable solutions. This approach encourages dialogue, active listening, and the incorporation of diverse perspectives. It aims to foster inclusive and participatory decision-making while minimizing the potential for coercion or domination.

Localism and Federations: Venarchism favors a focus on local communities as the primary units of governance. It recognizes the unique needs and characteristics of each community and advocates for their right to self-organize and develop according to their own values. However, it also acknowledges the importance of forming federations or networks of communities to address common challenges and facilitate coordination on broader issues.

Anti-Statism: Venarchism opposes the existence of a centralized state with a monopoly on power. It views the state as a coercive and oppressive institution that restricts individual freedoms and perpetuates inequality. Instead, Venarchism seeks to create a society where governance emerges organically from the bottom-up, based on voluntary associations and mutual agreements.