The Charm of Anarchy

In the recent past, we have seen videos of people in anarchic situations. Some situations lasted for few hours and while some lasted for couple of weeks or little more, before order got restored. Situation in Egypt few years back, or more recently what happened in Bangladesh and Kenya are few references. I am sure there were many more such situations in past and there will be many more in future as well. Let’s put a structure to intent, content, and stakeholders.

Anarchy represents lawlessness, chaos, and destruction but also the ultimate form of freedom—an existence without any authority and societal obligations, where individuals govern themselves. We must acknowledge Human nature is paradoxical: while we crave freedom, we also seek control, influence, and power over others.

Anarchy often appeals to those frustrated with authority, especially when governing bodies, corporate monopolies, or societal structures fail them. Economic disparity, political oppression, and social injustices push people to reject the established order, seeing anarchy as a reset button—an opportunity to dismantle and reconstruct a fairer, more organic way of life.

An anarchic situation unfolds in stages. The Initial Spark: An act of defiance, protest, or breakdown of authority ignites widespread unrest. The Power Vacuum: Once the existing structure collapses, there is a period of uncertainty. The Struggle for Dominance: Competing groups attempts to establish their influence, leading to lawlessness, violence, or makeshift governance. The Reinstatement of Order: Eventually, a new power structure emerges, whether through force, consensus, or necessity. One must note all these stages will play out when anarchic situation has arise naturally. If an anarchic situations is stage managed second and third stage would be just an enactment. 

When unrest and anarchy emerges out of economic disparity, political oppression, or social injustices it necessitates an alternative narrative often led by a leader. However, these leaders’ motivations are often rooted in a desire for power and authority. There is an incumbent defending the turf with all the might but from a weaker position and with lesser moral authority. Then there are bystanders who participate just to vent out the frustration or just because situation has given them an opportunity do something without the fear of any repercussion. Talking about what attracts a commoner to participate in anarchic act is unexpected money or opportunity to loot, a trophy i.e. physical item i.e. TV, household items etc., opportunity to get hold of women, have forced sex, opportunity to access to places which were otherwise prohibited for entry such as President/King/Rulers palace, last but not the least bystander gets a story to tell for rest of their life; off course with edits to suite the audience. 

This brings to mind the idea of “controlled anarchy.” Have societies created pressure vents in the form of festivals that allow anarchy within boundaries? Festivals like Holi in India or La Tomatina in Spain create spaces where societal norms are temporarily suspended.

What are your thoughts on the topic?