Anarcho-Monarchism is a fringe theoretical political philosophy with an anarchist system by which a benevolent monarchy governs the country, limiting itself to protecting rights.[1] Some scholars have drawn comparisons between the proposed system and feudalism.[2] Considered a far-right or reactionary philosophy, Anarcho-monarchism advocates for a society where the monarch exists primarily as a symbolic and cultural figurehead rather than an absolute ruler.[3][4] The ideology has been tied to notable figures such as J.R.R. Tolkien, G.K. Chesterton, Murray Rothbard, and Salvador Dalí, with Tolkien having written letters to his son, Christopher, praising the concept.[3][5][6] According to Polish-born Israeli historian Jacob Talmon, Anarcho-monarchism has roots in the 18th century.[7]

Tolkien advocated for a monarch uninterested in interfering in the lives of the people, or as he put it "a king whose chief interest in life is stamps, railways, or race-horses," while also calling for "'unconstitutional' monarchy" that could use its absolute power only in worst-case scenarios.[3]

The Lys Noir [fr], or Black Lilyism movement which advocates for the legitimacy of Prince Sixtus Henry of Bourbon-Parma has been described as anarcho-monarchist.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Bey, Hakim (2003). T.A.Z.: The Temporary Autonomous Zone, Ontological Anarchy, Poetic Terrorism. Autonomedia. ISBN 978-1-57027-151-9.
  2. ^ Skiba, Richard (2024-04-02). Shaping Worldviews:: Religious and Political Beliefs, Attitudes and Perceptions. Green Hill Publishing. ISBN 978-1-923156-93-7.
  3. ^ a b c Hart, David Bentley (2010-11-12). "Anarcho-Monarchism". First Things. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  4. ^ Davis, Michael Warren (2021-10-26). The Reactionary Mind: Why Conservative Isn't Enough. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-68451-146-4.
  5. ^ Médaille, John C. (2004). "Chesterton and Distributism". Communio: International Catholic Review, Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 315-330.
  6. ^ Speaking of Liberty. Ludwig von Mises Institute. 2003. ISBN 978-1-61016-337-8.
  7. ^ Bergamin, Peter (2019-11-14). The Making of the Israeli Far-Right: Abba Ahimeir and Zionist Ideology. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-83860-478-3.
  8. ^ "Quand une revue d'extrême droite rêve d'un putsch militaire". Le Monde (in French). 2013-06-07. Retrieved 2024-07-07.