Why are anarchists against the state?
Anarchists oppose the state because they see it as the highest form of power in society, designed to protect and control all other forms of power. They believe the state exists mainly to maintain the current system and keep it functioning through its institutions such as the police, intelligence agencies, media, and courts, which enforce authority and suppress opposition. Through its laws, it prevents direct action, strikes, and the occupation of factories and companies.
We, anarchists, believe , the state uses institutions like parliament, the police, the media, courts, laws, and prisons to silence actions and movements that challenge the existing system. They view the state as the main pillar supporting this entire system, so removing it would cause all other supporting structures to collapse as well.
Anarchists argue that it does not matter whether a state is democratic or dictatorial, civilian or military at its core, it serves the same function. They believe these different forms are simply different versions the system uses depending on its needs.
In our view, both peace and war under the state ultimately serve the interests of the ruling system. Anarchists think that once the state disappears, the biggest obstacle to eliminating class divisions and hierarchical society will be gone. Without the state, they argue, the system’s foundations would crumble and a socialist, classless and non-hierarchical society could be built.