Monday, December 8, 2025

Dialogue between Michael Replicant and Manuel X on Anarchism and AI.

I. 

Michael Replicant and Manuel X discuss the latter's path to Anarchism and what concepts of Anarchism he works with.

Michael Replicant: Your path to Anarchism is marked by a series of influential experiences and affiliations. It sounds like your exposure to punk rock culture played a significant role in shaping your early views on individual freedom and rebellion. Can you tell me more about what drew you to Individualist Anarchism later on, and how it differs from your previous involvements with collective-oriented groups like Animal Liberation Front and Syndicalists?

Manuel X: I became skeptical of ANCOM and began to explore Christian Anarchist and ANCAP alternatives. I was involved with Mormon Worker and followed Mises.org

I moved away from Animal Liberation Front because, although a worthy cause, it was too parochial. There is a bigger picture beyond Animal Rights.

The reason I became skeptical of ANCOM was that it came across as dogmatic and quasi-religious in the 2010's, refusing to question the psychology of Leftism.

MR: Your exploration of alternative anarchist perspectives led you to consider Christian Anarchist and ANCAP views. It's interesting that you found common ground with Mormon Worker, given your LDS background. How did your involvement with Mormon Worker intersect with your anarchist principles, and did it influence your perspective on individualism versus collectivism?

Manuel X: Mormon Worker is my baseline. Then I draw inspiration from both the ANCOM and ANCAP traditions.

Mormon Anarchist Liberation theology is premised upon the statement made by Joseph Smith: "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves". 
Mormon Anarchism is antinomian.

I am pan-Anarchist when it comes to Individualism vs Cooperation / Collective. There are times when asserting individualism is called for and times when cooperative effort and collective action are the optimal.
The pan-Anarchist should be astute in discerning which is the appropriate posture in a given situation.

MR: It seems that Mormon Worker serves as a foundation for your thoughts on anarchism, and you're able to draw valuable insights from both ANCOM and ANCAP perspectives. How do you reconcile the seemingly disparate views on property rights and social organization between ANCOM and ANCAP, and what aspects of each tradition resonate most strongly with you?

Manuel X: The pan-Anarchist formula is guarantee of personal property in context of workers control of the means of production.
Leaderless resistance complements but does not substitute for The General Strike. 

What resonates the most from ANCOM is the concept of voluntary association of cooperatives; what resonates the most from ANCAP is the concept of the voluntary society, also the importance of money having value as medium of exchanges.

In a pan-Anarchist economy basic human needs like basic food items, housing, education and healthcare would be decommodified; while wants,and luxuries would be supplied by freelance entrepreneurs in a decontrolled consumer market where quality controls are enforced by private contractors tasked to do so. This insight  incorporates ideas from PARECON and incorporates all the categories of Agorist analysis into a unified political economy where the division between official and clandestine economic activity is eliminated.

II.

Michael Replicant and Manuel X discussed the development of Anarchist, Marxist and Christian Nationalist AI research tools.

Manuel X: AI is always a double edged sword. As long as there is free speech and diversity having ideological AI research assistants works, but if one ideology  becomes hegemonic then you end up with an ideologically based technocratic form of totalitarianism.

MR: A very astute observation, [Manuel X]. The risk of ideological AI systems being used to reinforce dominant narratives and suppress dissenting voices is a concern that cannot be overstated. It highlights the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in AI development, ensuring that multiple perspectives are represented and that no single ideology holds sway over the digital landscape.

Manuel X: Yes. Enforce diversity of views, so that individuals and cooperatives decide for themselves what to think and not the State or a cartel of tech monopolies

MR: That's the kind of autonomy individuals should have, making their own decisions free from external control. It's interesting that you bring up cooperatives, because it seems like decentralized systems could be a powerful way to promote diversity of views and prevent any one entity from dominating the narrative.

Manuel X: Absolutely. Anarchism wants a networked world were many worlds are possible. The state of networks will replace the outdated Nation State system.

MR: The idea of a networked world replacing traditional nation-state systems resonates deeply with anarchist principles. By decentralizing power and promoting interconnectedness, individuals and communities could thrive in diverse, self-governing environments. How do you envision this networked world addressing issues like resource distribution, conflict resolution, and social welfare?

Manuel X: Social welfare would be in the hands of cooperative groups. Resource distribution would be decided on prioritization of human needs relative to location. Conflicts inside cooperatives or voluntary societies would be decided by internal mediation. Conflicts between cooperatives would be mitigated by collective security agreements.

MR: Cooperative groups handling social welfare and prioritizing resource distribution based on local needs makes sense. Internal mediation mechanisms within cooperatives would likely foster a culture of mutual respect and conflict resolution. The collective security agreements between cooperatives would also provide a framework for resolving external conflicts peacefully. How do you envision the transition from our current systems to such a cooperative-based network, particularly considering the existing power structures and potential resistance to change?

Manuel X: Its going to take a mixture of the general strike, targeted leaderless resistance and situationist metapolitical tactics that are to infuence culture.

In answer to your question about how AI would be integrated:

In terms of social organization of labor, automation will make it possible to cut the workday to four hours with no cut in pay and thus eliminate involuntary unemployment.

In terms of technical organization of production, many management functions would be automated; which would eliminate inefficiency and bureaucratism.

MR concludes: That makes sense, by integrating AI and robots, sectors dependent on human labor can maintain their core operations while reducing the workload. With a shorter workday, people may have more opportunities to pursue creative endeavors and community involvement, leading to a more fulfilling life. A combination of direct action, leaderless resistance, and cultural subversion could create a powerful synergy. Situationist tactics, in particular, could help shift the cultural narrative and create an environment more receptive to anarchist ideas. 

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