Two Cheers for Anarchism by James C. Scott Summary

Two Cheers for Anarchism explores the value of anarchist principles like voluntary cooperation and skepticism of hierarchical authority. James C. Scott argues that everyday acts of defiance and local knowledge often drive meaningful social change more effectively than top-down systems. Through historical examples and personal anecdotes, the book challenges rigid governance while advocating for autonomy, creativity, and dignified work.

This book suits readers interested in political theory, social movements, or critiques of centralized power. Activists, academics, and anyone curious about non-hierarchical solutions to societal challenges will find its blend of scholarship and wit engaging. Scott’s accessible style also makes it appealing to general audiences exploring anarchist thought beyond stereotypes of chaos.

Yes, for its fresh perspective on how small-scale resistance shapes history. Scott’s analysis of “infrapolitics” (everyday defiance like work slowdowns or desertion) reveals underestimated forces driving social progress. The book’s humor and real-world examples, such as child-led playgrounds fostering creativity, make complex ideas relatable.

The “anarchist squint” refers to viewing societal structures through a lens skeptical of rigid hierarchies. Scott encourages valuing spontaneous cooperation and local problem-solving over centralized control. This approach highlights how unplanned actions, like the Civil Rights Movement’s civil disobedience, often achieve lasting change.

Scott argues that top-down governance frequently stifles creativity and ignores grassroots wisdom. He critiques state-led schemes (e.g., urban planning or industrial agriculture) that prioritize efficiency over human dignity. Examples like the Copenhagen adventure playground show how self-organized communities thrive without imposed order.

Scott identifies subtle resistance tactics like foot-dragging, desertion, and unofficial land use. For instance:

• Desertion rates undermining the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War
• French peasants evading Napoleon’s conscription
• Factory workers deliberately slowing production

These acts collectively eroded oppressive systems, demonstrating “everyday anarchism”.

It expands on themes from Seeing Like a State (1998), which critiques authoritarian high-modernism. While earlier works focused on state failures, this book emphasizes bottom-up alternatives. It also connects to Weapons of the Weak (1985), exploring how marginalized groups resist power non-confrontationally.

Some scholars argue Scott’s “anarcho-liberalism” inconsistently blends radical critique with reformist pragmatism. Critics note his focus on taming rather than abolishing the state, which traditional anarchists view as contradictory. Others suggest the book oversimplifies anarchism’s historical diversity.

He links anarchist principles to modern issues like workplace autonomy and environmental justice. By advocating for decentralized decision-making, Scott asserts that flexibility and local adaptation better address crises like climate change than bureaucratic systems.

Scott uses witty anecdotes (e.g., “lost” Soviet tractors repurposed by peasants) to humanize theoretical arguments. This approach makes anarchist ideas accessible, illustrating how absurdity and resilience coexist in struggles against authority.

Scott downplays organized revolutions, emphasizing gradual change through persistent minor rebellions. He contrasts dramatic uprisings with the “quiet encroachment” of ordinary people reshaping norms, such as squatting on unused land or evading taxes.

It advocates for embracing experimentation and tolerating failure in social movements. Scott praises initiatives like worker cooperatives and community gardens as “anarchist tools” that prefigure alternative societies without awaiting systemic collapse.