Libertarian communism

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Libertarian communism is a political ideology related to Libertarian socialism. The term libertarian communism is also used generally as a synonym for libertarian socialism, but this article is more specific.

Libertarian Communism was first formulated by the Italian section of the First International by Carlo Cafiero, Errico Malatesta and Andrea Costa and other ex-Mazzinian Republicans. Through sentimental loyalty to Mikhail Bakunin they did not make their split from Collectivism explicit until after the latter's death. In 1876 at the Florence Conference of the Italian Federation of the International (which was actually held in a wood outside Florence, due to police activity) They declared the principles of Libertarian Communism thus:

"The Italian Federation considers the collective property of the products of labour as the necessary complement to the collectivist programme, the aid of all for the satisfaction of the needs of each being the only rule of production and consumption which corresponds to the principle of solidarity. The federal congress at Florence has eloquently demonstrated the opinion of the Italian International on this point..."

The above report was actually made in article by Malatesta and Cafiero in the (Swiss) Jura Federation's bulletin later that year.

In modern terms, libertarian communism can be essentially summed up as the abolition of money or any form of exchange. The gift economy is often associated with libertarian communism as it involves the free exchange of goods.

It is often argued that there is no self interest, but self interest can take forms other than owning the most. Prestige is still a motivation. A quote from an anarchist messageboard will help explain:

"Most people will probably want other people to see them favorably. Others will probably feel guilty about taking without giving. People would also want others in the group to survive so they could produce something in return. A farmer would give away what he/she grows to ensure that people in the community would have enough to eat. They would in turn be able to make things the farmer would want. Another thing that would motivate work would be a desire to have good living conditions."

Libertarian communism also advocates the abolition of work in the sense of unpleasant labor and recommends worker self management to improve working conditions and increase efficiency to make working enjoyable.