What is Agorism?

The term agorism traces back to the writings of the anarchist and philosopher Samuel Edward Konkin III and is named after the Greek word for marketplace (agora). Konkin published the New Libertarian Manifesto in 1979, in which he laid out his arguments for a branch of libertarianism he called New Libertarianism. The philosophy behind the new libertarian movement was agorism. In essence, it is a radical philosophy that advocates for a society free of coercion and violence and encourages people to break free from the control network of corporations and states. Konkin argued that the state would collapse once a sufficiently large number of people withdrew from corporations and state institutions. By withholding money, time, and support, enough resources would be denied. During the collapse of the state, agorists would help build non-violent and informal systems.

Agorism is based on the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP), in German often referred to as the principle of non-violence or the principle of non-aggression. This fundamental ethical principle essentially states that any use of force or aggression against individuals or their property without their consent is morally impermissible. However, the use of force for self-protection and defense of one’s own freedom is necessary and unavoidable.

This is why agorism rejects the use of violence to overthrow the state or to achieve its own goals. A violent overthrow of a corrupt government, as sufficiently documented in human history, only leads to another group stepping in and continuing the game. Agorism equally rejects participation in political elections, as it is seen as participation in an immoral system and as an insufficient strategy for lasting change. Every state is by definition a monopoly on violence and thus contradicts agorist principles. Instead of voting or using violence, agorism opens a third path for all freedom seekers. This philosophy of nonconformism aims to make the state superfluous through open markets. This happens primarily through targeted enlightenment and education of the population about the mechanisms of force and coercion that underlie every state, as well as through the self-empowerment of the individual citizen to find their own paths outside the state’s control network.

Agorism rejects statism, that is, the tendency to view the state as a mechanism for bringing about change. Agorists do not trust the authority of the state and do not see the state as a solution but rather as the cause of societal problems.

Counter-Economics as Core Concept

Agorism employs various core strategies to implement its philosophy. The economic strategy of counter-economics is the first to mention. Counter-economics is the study and practice of human actions that are not accepted by the state and do not involve violence or the threat of violence. It encompasses actions that evade, avoid, and defy the state. By creating alternative systems outside of state control, the aim is to disempower the state and preserve the freedom of people. Agorism thus strives for a society in which people can exchange goods and services freely and without state interference. It is not necessary to identify as a libertarian or anarchist to participate in counter-economics. A counter-economist is anyone who practices or studies counter-economic actions. This includes any human action carried out without the consent of the state. Since laws govern almost every human activity, everyone must bend or break laws to some degree just to exist. This means that every person is in some way a counter-economist. This strategy can be practiced by anyone anywhere in the world, regardless of their background or political affiliation.

Agorism in the 21st Century

Although the agorist philosophy remains largely unknown to the general public to this day, some activists — particularly in North and Central America — have taken up and further developed the concept. In 2013, agorists and journalists Derrick Broze and Neil Radimaker founded the independent media network The Conscious Resistance. Derrick is also co-founder of the Freedom Cell Network, a group of now over 30,000 members worldwide who are dedicated to building a freer world. He is also co-producer of the Greater Reset Activation, an annual multi-day event with participants from around the world. This solution-oriented agorist event, which features daily lectures for nearly a week on permaculture, decentralization, mental health, and much more, was co-founded by John Bush. He is actively involved in marketing the agorist philosophy through his Live Free Academy and many other initiatives.

This new generation of agorists has further developed and refined the philosophy developed by Konkin. In addition to new successful concepts such as the Exit & Build strategy in the physical realm, these individuals have recognized that successful agorism goes hand in hand with one’s own inner work and mental strength. This new agorism therefore also focuses on self-reflection and successful work on one’s own addictions and conditionings.

Conclusion

Agorism is neither left nor right and rejects any form of dogmatic and political narratives. An agorist understands that power as such corrupts everything and everyone. Thus, a corrupt government is not the problem, but rather a symptom of it.

Agorism describes the most natural and peaceful form of human coexistence. Every person in this world has the natural desire to exchange goods and services without oppressive, elitist market entry barriers. Free people want to come together voluntarily and engage in trade — without experiencing interference or intervention from third parties.

The term agorism is increasingly understood as a holistic concept. This means that in addition to striving for freedom in the physical spheres of this world, the inner striving for freedom is considered at least equally necessary and important. We must first free ourselves from trauma, binding contracts, addictions, and hostile programming in order to be able to embody true freedom in our way of life.

The ultimate goal is a stateless society in which free humanity is not held captive by the violence and coercion of the parasitic state and the corporate class.

And although it is rarely discussed in public schools or the mainstream media, there are several examples of stateless societies and communities in history. For those interested in exploring past stateless societies, we recommend studying James Scott’s The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia; A Century of Anarchy: Neutral Moresnet Through the Revisionist Lens; & Pierre Clastres’ Society Against the State.