The Treason of Hakim Bey: How Anarchy Fueled CHAZ and CHOP

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest 

The ideology of anarchy, as promulgated by figures like Hakim Bey (Peter Lamborn Wilson), has long been a specter haunting Western civilization. While some see his works, like the concept of "Temporary Autonomous Zones" (TAZ), as poetic musings on freedom, they are far more insidious. Hakim Bey’s writings, cloaked in intellectualism, provided a philosophical foundation for lawlessness and insurrection—manifesting most notably in the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) and Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP) during the summer of 2020.

Who Was Hakim Bey?

Hakim Bey, born Peter Lamborn Wilson, was a self-described anarchist, occultist, and advocate of decentralization. His most infamous work, Temporary Autonomous Zones, romanticizes the idea of spaces where traditional laws and societal norms are suspended. These zones are presented as pockets of liberation, but in practice, they are incubators of chaos and destruction. Bey’s ideas have been criticized for their impracticality and their alignment with fringe ideologies that undermine order and stability.

What makes Hakim Bey particularly dangerous is his synthesis of anarchism with mystical and pseudo-religious elements. This blend makes his ideology attractive to disaffected youth, radicals, and individuals seeking meaning outside conventional structures. His ideas provided intellectual ammunition for the insurrectionists who established CHAZ/CHOP in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district.

The Ideological Blueprint for CHAZ and CHOP

The establishment of CHAZ/CHOP was hailed by its proponents as a brave experiment in direct democracy and mutual aid. Yet, it quickly devolved into a microcosm of anarchic dysfunction. Violence, extortion, and a lack of basic governance plagued the zone. Hakim Bey’s vision of "temporary autonomy" was implemented with devastating results, showcasing the impracticality and danger of anarchist ideologies in real-world applications.

In CHAZ/CHOP, we saw the rejection of law enforcement and societal norms. Police were expelled, and makeshift barricades were erected. Within days, the zone—ironically created to promote equality and justice—became a haven for criminality and violence. Bey’s ideas, embraced by the insurrectionists, created a fertile ground for lawlessness and the breakdown of civil society.

The Role of Leftist Enablers

The Marxist left, in alliance with anarchist ideologues, played a significant role in the creation and perpetuation of CHAZ/CHOP. This red-green axis, combining Marxism and anarchism, echoes the treacherous partnership between communism and Islamism that I have seen throughout my life. As a former socialist and ex-Muslim, I recognize these alliances as inherently destructive, working to undermine Christian conservative values and Western civilization.

Hakim Bey’s anarchist ideas align disturbingly well with the Marxist goal of dismantling traditional structures. In CHAZ/CHOP, this manifested as the rejection of the nuclear family, private property, and organized religion—pillars of Christian conservatism. This alliance underscores the dangers of uncritical acceptance of radical ideologies.

Lessons for America

CHAZ/CHOP was not merely a protest; it was an experiment in implementing Hakim Bey’s anarchist theories. It failed spectacularly, leaving a trail of violence, property damage, and shattered lives. The lessons are clear: anarchist ideologies are incompatible with a stable, prosperous society. They thrive on chaos and lead to the erosion of freedoms and values that underpin the American way of life.

As a Christian conservative and Iranian-American ex-Muslim, I see CHAZ/CHOP as a wake-up call. We must be vigilant against the infiltration of anarchist and Marxist ideologies into our society. These ideas, dressed up as progressivism or social justice, are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They seek to destroy the Judeo-Christian values that have made America a beacon of hope and freedom.

Conclusion

The treason of Hakim Bey lies not in his personal actions but in the ideological poison he spread through his writings. His vision of "temporary autonomous zones" provided the framework for the anarchic chaos of CHAZ/CHOP. As Americans, we must reject these destructive ideologies and reaffirm our commitment to law, order, and the values that have made our nation great.

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Citations

1. Hakim Bey, Temporary Autonomous Zones. Autonomedia, 1991.

2. "What Happened to Seattle's CHOP Zone?" BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53218489.

3. Ngo, Andy. Unmasked: Inside Antifa's Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy. Center Street, 2021.

4. "CHAZ/CHOP Timeline," The Seattle Times, https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/timeline-of-chaz-chop.

5. Wilson, Peter Lamborn. Scandal: Essays in Islamic Heresy. Autonomedia, 1988.