Anarchism: Arguments for and Against

This is a good book that serves two purposes: 1. It introduces readers to anarchism in a way that disabuses them of the usual myths about anarchism and anticipates the common fears people have about anarchism.2. It provides anarchists with quick answers to objections about anarchism (assuming, of course, that anarchists agree with Meltzer's formulations of the answers).Meltzer deftly handles the kinds of criticisms of anarchism made by social democrats, liberal democrats, Marxists, fascists, trade unionists, feminists and capitalists. He also explores ways people could organize themselves in an anarchistic society. In my view, the book's sole weakness is its somewhat vague discussion about the transition to an anarchist society. It adequately addresses the core values of all anarchists. The book exceptionally adresses the criticism that individuals would be imperiled in societies that operate without the coercive force of law. Meltzer rightly argues that individuals would in fact be safer in an anarchist society and that governments actually reduce personal safety by assigning that responsibility to a set of experts (e.g. the police): "Unfortunately, having a police force atrophies the ability of society to defend itself. People [lose] all sense of social organization and control" (p. 43). The book contains a helpful, if somewhat limited, list of anarchist organizations at the end. It is worth reading.

A very nice and thought-provoking guide to Anarchism. The book is thin, but thick in political theory and definition. I take away a star, as his text may fly over the heads of those who aren't very familiar with facism, marxism, socialism, syndicalism, et al. But it does a great job of showing the grace of anarchism, along with the fumbling groping that is most other systems. Slavery is slavery and property is theft. Give it a read.