The word "anarchy" was first defined by Ancient Greek philosophy, which understood it to be a corrupted form of direct democracy, where a majority of people exclusively pursue their own interests.

May 19, 2026 · Anarchy exemplifies how words may have similar yet distinctive meanings. The earliest recorded use of the word, from the early 16th century, meant simply “absence of government,” albeit …

Anarchy, in political science and the study of international relations, the absence of any authority superior to nation-states and capable of arbitrating their disputes and enforcing international law. The …

Feb 9, 2021 · Anarchy is a situation in which a government either does not exist or has no authority or control over the people. The philosophy of anarchism suggests that societies can survive and thrive …

Apr 4, 2026 · Anarchy comes from the Greek word anarkhia, meaning “without a ruler,” and as a political philosophy, anarchism argues that societies can organize themselves without centralized …

Use the noun anarchy to describe a complete lack of government — or the chaotic state of affairs created by such an absence. A substitute teacher might worry that an unruly classroom will descend …

Oct 3, 2017 · Anarchism is a political theory that is skeptical of the justification of authority and power. Anarchism is usually grounded in moral claims about the importance of individual liberty, often …

In this episode of Crash Course Political Theory, we explore the theories and practices of anarchism.

ANARCHY definition: 1. a situation in which there is no organization and control, especially in society, because there…. Learn more.

May 12, 2026 · Anarchy, derived from Greek for "having no ruler," is a political and philosophical concept favoring self-governance or community consensus, though it's often used as shorthand for chaos.