Peace and Anarchy in East Asia
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This volume examines the complex relationship between peace and anarchy in East Asia. Drawing upon the region’s profound philosophical traditions—Confucianism’s focus on social harmony, Daoism’s celebration of natural spontaneity, and Buddhism’s pursuit of inner peace—East Asia has developed a variety of utopian visions of coexistence over time. These ideals frequently intersect with the principles of anarchism, which challenge hierarchical structures and propose alternative models of social organisation founded on autonomy, cooperation, and equality.
The volume investigates historical and contemporary cases in which anarchist thought and practices have contributed to peacebuilding efforts on local, regional, and international scales. From communal movements inspired by Daoist and Buddhist principles to modern reinterpretations of anarchist theories within East Asian contexts, it analyses the ways in which anarchism has shaped alternative frameworks for achieving peace. Furthermore, it explores the tensions and synergies between decentralised, cooperative approaches to peace—rooted in anarchist ideals—and the more institutionalised, hierarchical methods that often dominate the region. Through this analysis, the book aims to highlight the potential of anarchist thought to renew and enrich the discourse on peace in East Asia, offering innovative perspectives on addressing conflict and fostering coexistence. Ultimately, it seeks to raise fundamental questions about how anarchist principles can reconcile utopian aspirations with the pragmatic demands of contemporary realities, outlining sustainable and inclusive pathways toward peace in the twenty-first century.
Published: Jun 1, 2027