Law as refuge of anarchy

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Throughout history, various forms of communal life have emerged, with the state being just one option. Leading anthropologist Hermann Amborn presents a countermodel to the state by highlighting communities where reciprocity and egalitarianism prevail. His focus is on the Horn of Africa, where nonhierarchical, nonstate societies coexist within a hierarchical state framework. These communities are not mere historical precursors to monarchy or primitive states; rather, they remain relevant social models today. Amborn illustrates how these societies serve as concrete counterexamples to strictly hierarchical structures. He explores social expressions, ideas, practices, and institutions that challenge the dominance of one group over another, examining how their values and laws resist power accumulation. Additionally, he investigates how nonhegemonic principles manifest in law and how anarchic social formations can thrive. In the Horn of Africa, the autonomy of these societies safeguards against harmful external influences, balances hegemonic violence, and fosters communal stability. Amid widespread discontent with Western political systems, Amborn's work invites a reevaluation of traditional anarchism and nonhegemony theories, encouraging a focus on existing stateless societies.