Difference between anarcho-communism and libertarian socialism?

[OGLemon]

Thread title says it all. What's the difference between the two ideologies?

[Bala Perdida]

Anarcho-communism is a form of libertarian socialism. Most forms of libertarian socialism are anarchist ideals, but libertarian Marxism is also considered libertarian socialism. Luxembourgists are libertarian socialists, but that's not much of a theory so just anti-authoritarian Marxists I guess. Click on my tendency for a list of libertarian socialist philosophies.
It's also important to know that libertarian socialist is usually synonymous to anarchist. Especially here in the USA, since the label of libertarian is used by ultra-capitalists. In the rest of the world, libertarian is also synonymous to anarchist.

[OGLemon]

Ah okay, so libertarian socialism is sort of a catch all term for various left wing anarchist tendencies? If so, that makes a lot of sense because I agree with both anarcho-communism (as an endgame) and anarcho-syndicialism.

[Thirsty Crow]

Ah okay, so libertarian socialism is sort of a catch all term for various left wing anarchist tendencies? If so, that makes a lot of sense because I agree with both anarcho-communism (as an endgame) and anarcho-syndicialism.
Anarchist communism as a set of organizational and political positions and practices is actually at odds in important respects with anarcho-syndicalism (mainly on the nature of unions and the role of unionization in fighting for a classless society). Though, I'm not sure the difference is that great since I'm not that familiar with anarchist organizational politics and practice (but it does seem that for instance platformism and especifismo are based on a criticism of the union form itself), so it would be best if I dunno, the user The Anarchist Tension clear this up.

[TheSocialistMetalhead]

In the rest of the world, libertarian is also synonymous to anarchist.

This isn't completely true. In western Europe libertarian usually means minarchist or an-cap. Unless someone explicitly says they're a libertarian socialist I'll assume they're a minarchist if they refer to themselves as libertarian.

[exeexe]

There is only a self-managed, self-governing society which exists to meet the self-determined needs of its members. A libertarian communist society.
https://libcom.org/library/libertarian-communism-introduction

anarcho syndicalism is easily a valid strategy to reach such a society.

[Tim Cornelis]

Anarcho-communism is a form of libertarian socialism. Most forms of libertarian socialism are anarchist ideals, but libertarian Marxism is also considered libertarian socialism.

Notwithstanding its name, libertarian Marxism is an anarchist ideology. It is an anarchist inspired by Marxism, but it's not a Marxist with libertarian politics. There are some 'non-anarchist' libertarian socialists, like the ÖDP in Turkey (but then it's questionable to what extend they are truly libertarian socialists).


Luxembourgists are libertarian socialists, but that's not much of a theory so just anti-authoritarian Marxists I guess.

Luxemburgists are not libertarian socialists. This is a myth peddled by some anarchists and Chomskyites.



It's also important to know that libertarian socialist is usually synonymous to anarchist. Especially here in the USA, since the label of libertarian is used by ultra-capitalists. In the rest of the world, libertarian is also synonymous to anarchist.

That is another Chomskyite myth that some anarchists repeat uncritically. Libertarianism, the world over, refers to right-wing libertarianism.

[Left Voice]

I think it's fairer to say that the meaning of the term 'libertarian' has simply changed. There was a time when 'libertarian' was essentially synonymous with 'anarchist', and it has socialist roots just like anarchism.

These days, anarchism is essentially synonymous with 'left libertarianism', but the overwhelming dominance of 'right libertarianism' among people who self-identify as 'libertarian' would suggest that the term may be best avoided. Of course, there may not be another way of referring to 'libertarian socialism'. I tend to use 'anarcho-communist', but I am aware that it is not exactly synonymous.

[Sinister Intents]

Here is how I defined it in an essay I wrote a while back:

Anarcho-communism is the combination of anarchism and communism. Anarchy means
without rulers, so anarchism is most accurately the philosophy and movement advocating the
removal of hierarchal institutions and coercive authority in favor of individual freedom and
voluntary cooperation. Communism is the form of society in which there exist no social class, and
has no state, as well as having abolished money in favor of a gift economy based on “to each
according to their ability, to each according to their need,” (to quote Karl Marx) and mutual aid.
Essentially anarcho-communists want to bring about the freest human society possible.
Anarcho-communists accept Marx's historical analyses, but reject Lenin’s idea of the proletarian
dictatorship (Dotp) and of the Vanguard party (a concept closely linked to the DotP). They reject
both the idea of the DotP and of the Vanguard party seeing them as authoritarian measures.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

I think it's fairer to say that the meaning of the term 'libertarian' has simply changed. There was a time when 'libertarian' was essentially synonymous with 'anarchist', and it has socialist roots just like anarchism.
First they came for the L word, now they're slowly trying to take the A word, too.