Temporary Autonomous Zone - Definition and Overview

The Temporary Autonomous Zone is Hakim Bey's most famous work. It describes the political tactic of creating temporary space that eludes formal structures of control. The essay uses various historical and philosophical examples, all leading to the conclusion that the best way to create a non-hierarchial system of social relationships is to concentrate on the present. Information becomes a key tool that sneaks into the cracks of formal procedures. A new territory of the moment is created that is on the boundary line of established regions. Any attempt at permanence, that goes beyond the moment, deteriorates to a structured system that inevitably stifles individual creativity. It is this chance at creativity that is real empowerment.

The contents are divided up into the following sections:

1. Pirate Utopias
2. Waiting for the Revolution
3. The Psychotopology of Everyday Life
4. The Net and the Web
5. "Gone to Croatan"
6. Music as an Organizational Principle
7. The Will To Power as Disappearance
8. Ratholes in the Babylon of Information

External links

• Temporary Autonomous Zone (http://www.hermetic.com/bey/taz_cont.html)