Aggression is simply another name for government

Aggression is simply another name for government

Benjamin Tucker, a prominent individualist anarchist and advocate of free-market anarchism, famously stated that "aggression is simply another name for government." This statement encapsulates Tucker's belief that government, by its very nature, relies on the use of force and coercion to maintain its authority over individuals. In Tucker's view, aggression is inherent in the exercise of governmental power, as it involves the imposition of rules and regulations on individuals without their consent.

Tucker's words highlight the fundamental contradiction at the heart of government. While governments claim to exist to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, they often do so through the use of force and violence. This is evident in the way that governments enforce laws and regulations, levy taxes, and maintain order through the use of police and military forces. In this sense, government can be seen as a form of institutionalized aggression, as it relies on the threat of violence to compel individuals to comply with its dictates.

Tucker's critique of government as aggression is rooted in his belief in individual autonomy and self-ownership. He argued that individuals have the right to live their lives as they see fit, free from interference or coercion by others. Government, in Tucker's view, violates this principle by imposing its will on individuals through the use of force. By equating aggression with government, Tucker sought to expose the inherent violence and coercion that underpins the state's authority.

Tucker's words continue to resonate today, as governments around the world grapple with issues of power, authority, and individual rights. His critique of government as aggression serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked state power and the importance of safeguarding individual liberty. In a world where governments increasingly assert their authority through surveillance, censorship, and militarization, Tucker's words serve as a powerful reminder of the need to resist the encroachment of state power on individual freedom.