Q: What is Counter-Economics?

A: Counter-economics, a term originally coined by Samuel Edward Konkin III (SEK3), makes up the sum of all peaceful, human action on the market forbidden by the state and building alternative, unregulated institutions, preferably with the intention of overthrowing or contributing to the overthrowing of the state.

As defined by SEK3 in his Counter-Economics pamphlet,

“The Counter-Economy is the sum of all non-aggressive Human Action which is forbidden by the State. Counter-economics is the study of the Counter-Economy and its practices. The Counter-Economy includes the free market, the Black Market, the “underground economy,” all acts of civil and social disobedience, all acts of forbidden association (sexual, racial, cross-religious), and anything else the State, at any place or time, chooses to prohibit, control, regulate, tax, or tariff. The Counter-Economy excludes all State-approved action (the “White Market”) and the Red Market (violence and theft not approved by the State).”

The term counter-economics is also used in a separate but arguably compatible sense by some to refer to addressing social justice and sustainability concerns in a market context, although one more generally counter-establishment rather than explicitly illegal.