Synarchism
Synarchism (from the Greek συναρχίᾱ; rom. sunarkhíā, meaning joint rule), refers to a political ideology that advocates for a societal structure in which various types of groups cooperate under a strong central authority to achieve social harmony and the common good. Originating in Mejico during the turbulent 1930s, synarchism is most closely associated with the National Synarchist Union (Unión Nacional Sinarquista, UNS), a political and social movement that emerged as a reaction to the leftist and secular policies of the post-Civil War Mejican government.
The foundational principles of synarchism can be traced back to a variety of influences, including conservative Catholic social teachings and the social encyclicals of Popes Leo XIII and Pius XI, the corporatism found in some European fascist movements, and a rejection of both liberal capitalism and Marxist socialism. Synarchism, as upheld by its proponents in Mejico, emphasized spiritual revival and the importance of the Catholic faith in public life and a return to traditional values and family structures.
Ideologically, Synarchism seeks to promote a society where private property is respected but is subordinate to the common good, often calling for the implementation of a corporatist economic system. In this system, the economy is organized into corporate groups representing different sectors of society, such as workers, farmers, and intellectuals, which would collaborate with the state to manage the economy, reducing the potential conflicts between labor and capital.
At its beginnings, the UNS pushed for a vision of Mejico that was antithetical to the secular state endorsed by the Constitution of 1917, which had imposed restrictions on the Church and sought to minimize its influence. The synarchists opposed the agricultural and educational reforms of the Socialist government, which included land redistribution and the secularization of schools. They argued that these policies were an affront to their traditional way of life. The UNS was characterized by a strong grassroots presence, with its support base primarily located amongst rural and Conservative populations. Promoting a centralized political authority, synarchists hoped to establish an organic, hierarchical society that would rebuff foreign ideologies and influence, particularly those stemming from Communism and atheism.
Synarchism supports strict adherence to cultural and religious traditions, as well as the establishment of a government that would enforce moral and ethical codes derived from religious teachings. The political praxis of synarchism in Mejico often involved large rallies, strong community organizing, and the usage of symbols and rituals to reinforce group identity and cohesion. The UNS itself was structured along quasi-military lines, with a focus on discipline and hierarchy.
At the center of synarchist ideology is the conviction that society must be structured in a way that ensures the proper functioning of its institutions in accordance with natural law and the divine will. This vision stands in firm opposition to individualistic and materialistic worldviews, promoting instead a communal and spiritual ethos that, in the eyes of its proponents, is essential for the flourishing of the nation.
In the modern day, Synarchism remains a popular ideology, with the Mejican Democratic Party being its main political representative. As advocates of Synarchist thought, the party strives to blend tradition with modernity, appealing to a wide spectrum of voters who value the fusion of conservative social values and proactive state involvement in the economy. The party's platform typically emphasizes family values, the importance of religious faith in public life, and a commitment to national unity and identity.
History
Synarchism in Mejico gained momentum in the 1940s, as the UNS was the only other party permitted to exist by the state, and its leader, Salvador Abascal, became more closely related to the Cooperatist Party of José Vasconcelos, which held power since his presidential election in 1930, marking a departure from the tumultuous secular reforms of the past years. Vasconcelos, a philosopher and politician with a progressive vision for Mejico's cultural and educational development, found in synarchism an ideological ally that sought social stability through shared values and communal solidarity.
The UNS leveraged its unique position as a legally permitted party and became instrumental in shaping national policy. Their influence led to significant shifts in the Mejican sociopolitical landscape. The early years of Vasconcelos' dictatorship saw the reversal of anticlerical laws, and the Catholic Church once again played a prominent role in national education and moral guidance. Moreover, synarchist-inspired corporatism began restructuring the economy, organizing it into syndicates and guilds that transcended traditional class divisions, promoting harmony between workers and the establishment. Behind the scenes, Abascal and his synarchist lieutenants worked diligently to incorporate their principles into the government's framework, often assuming critical roles in policy formation, especially in rural areas, where their support was most dominant.
After Vasconcelos' death in 1959, Salvador Abascal became President of Mejico, continuing the legacy of Vasconcelos by further entrenching Synarchist principles into the fabric of Mejican society. Under Abascal's leadership, the National Synarchist Union transitioned from being a supportive political force to becoming the central power of governance. Abascal's administration focused heavily on creating a cohesive national identity that was fundamentally tied to shared religious and cultural values, reinforcing the role of Catholicism as a unifying element of national life.
Abascal's presidency was marked by extensive social programs aimed at embodying the Synarchist ideal of communal welfare. He introduced policies that strengthened family units, such as subsidized housing for large families and support for family-owned farms and businesses. These initiatives were intended to buttress the traditional social structures that Synarchists revered and considered essential to national stability. Economically, Abascal expanded upon Vasconcelos' corporatist model, pushing for increased state intervention to ensure the protection of workers' rights.
Labor unions were encouraged to collaborate directly with company syndicates and the state in what became known as the "Tripartite Alliance of Labor," which aimed to eliminate class struggle and promote productivity through consensus and mutual benefit. Education also underwent significant transformation; the government invested in educational reforms that emphasized moral and religious instruction. School programs were redesigned to promote patriotism, respect for the traditional family, and loyalty to the state as core tenets. In addition to a robust emphasis on Mejico's history and cultural heritage, the curriculum fostered a sense of civic duty and purpose among students.