The Positive Political Economy of Analytical Anarchism

29 Pages Posted: 30 Jan 2020 Last revised: 20 Feb 2020

See all articles by Peter J. Boettke

Peter J. Boettke

George Mason University - Department of Economics; Mercatus Center at George Mason University

Rosolino Candela

George Mason University - Mercatus Center

Date Written: January 9, 2020

Abstract

Analytical anarchism is a subset of political economy that takes neither rules as given nor assumes that monopoly enforcement of such rules exists. This approach is the positive study of endogenous rule formation by individuals within a particular society. Such rules emerge out of the self-interest of such individuals, though not necessarily from any deliberate design. We outline and explain two theoretical approaches that have been used to illustrate various historical cases of anarchism across time and place. We distinguish between an exclusionary approach to analytical anarchism and an inclusionary approach to analytical anarchism. Though these two approaches are not mutually exclusive, they are distinct from each other, in that they illustrate alternative mechanisms under which the conditions of anarchy can be relatively peaceful and productive.

Keywords: Anarchism; Endogenous Rule Formation; Political Economy

JEL Classification: B53; H11; P26

Suggested Citation

Boettke, Peter J. and Boettke, Peter J. and Candela, Rosolino, The Positive Political Economy of Analytical Anarchism (January 9, 2020). GMU Working Paper in Economics No. 2020-08, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3516829 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3516829

Peter J. Boettke

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

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Mercatus Center at George Mason University ( email )

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Rosolino Candela (Contact Author)

George Mason University - Mercatus Center ( email )

3434 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
United States

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