Karl Marx vs Mikhail Bakunin on the 12 Axes
Karl Marx and Mikhail Bakunin clashed inside the First International over whether revolution should be led through a state or abolish it. Both lean Public, Planned and Secular, but they split on Authority and Structure, where Marx leans toward a Strong leader and Central while Bakunin leans Democratic and Local.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | Karl Marx | Mikhail Bakunin | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | -95 | -85 | 10 |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | -90 | -60 | 30 |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | -85 | -60 | 25 |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | +25 | -90 | 115 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | +15 | -80 | 95 |
| StructureLocal to Central | +50 | -95 | 145 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | -60 | -50 | 10 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | -75 | -95 | 20 |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | -60 | No record | - |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | -60 | -30 | 30 |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | -30 | No record | - |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | 0 | -30 | 30 |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to Karl Marx or Mikhail Bakunin?
Take the 12 Axes test and see your match with both, axis by axis.
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How similar are Karl Marx and Mikhail Bakunin?
On the 10 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 66% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Structure, Authority, Security.
Who is more economically left-wing, Karl Marx or Mikhail Bakunin?
Karl Marx sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 22 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, Karl Marx or Mikhail Bakunin?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), Mikhail Bakunin leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 118 points on average.
