System Decline and Primary Loyalties

Some thoughts on the potential for systemic collapse and responses to such a crisis. Although the author notes the ineffectiveness of 'mass protest' to influence the state, this does not mean social movements are now irrelevant. On the contrary, such movements can provide the means for both survival and resistance.

System Decline and Primary Loyalties
Global Guerrillas, Oct 6, 2008

What happens when a state becomes hollow and the global market takes control? People find ways to get by. How? They fall back on primary loyalties -- groups and organizations that will help them survive. Those that cling to individualism quickly find themselves outmaneuvered, cornered and fleeced. In the modern context, three major categories of primary loyalties (filled to the brim with many superempowered individuals) will emerge within a hollow state. They are:

• Government/corporate loyalties. Becomes highly corrupt. Only small group and/or strong leaders get benefits (concentrated wealth). Control over police/military power to ensure wealth/survival. Globally networked.

• Street loyalties. To family, neighborhood, gang, church, etc. A large segment turns to crime/smuggling. Another segment focuses on protection fees generated by militias. Violent open source warfare. Systems disruption to coerce the hollow state and its corporate allies. Globally networked.

• Community loyalty (resilient communities). This is the newest segment and still in its infancy. Very democratic and egalitarian. Focus on local production of everything from food to energy to products. Collective action for group survival at the local level. Globally networked.

NOTE: Mass protest to force governmental response? Mass protest is very unlikely to create any meaningful improvement since there isn't a functional state left to influence.

Posted by John Robb on Monday, 06 October 2008